Mark is the story of Jesus told at two different speeds.

In the first half, we're confronted with provocative words and powerful deeds, where everybody is asking 'Who is this man?'

Right in the middle, people start realizing he is the Messiah.

Then, in the second half, everything slows right down to focus on a single week leading up to the crucifixion.
And it's only at the cross you see what it means to be the Messiah.