Mark 16: The Resurrection and the Great Commission
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Mark 16, the concluding chapter of Mark's Gospel, is a powerful testament to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the commissioning of His followers. It's a chapter that has sparked much discussion, particularly regarding its ending, but its core message remains undeniable: Jesus is risen, and His disciples are called to spread the good news. This chapter holds immense significance for understanding the Christian faith and our role within it.
The Empty Tomb (Mark 16:1-4)
Following the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, along with other women (Luke 24:10), set out to anoint Jesus' body with spices. Their journey reflects a deep love and devotion, even in the face of grief. They were concerned about who would roll away the heavy stone that sealed the tomb's entrance (Mark 16:3). This detail highlights the practical difficulties they faced, emphasizing their courage and determination. But upon arrival, they found the stone already rolled away (Mark 16:4). This unexpected discovery sets the stage for the miraculous events that follow. The rolling away of the stone wasn't to let Jesus out, but to let the witnesses in!
An Encounter with an Angel (Mark 16:5-7)
Entering the tomb, the women were startled to find a young man dressed in a white robe (Mark 16:5). Matthew's Gospel clarifies that this was an angel (Matthew 28:5), a messenger from God. The angel reassured them, proclaiming, "Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him" (Mark 16:6). This is the central message of the Gospel: Jesus, who was crucified, is alive! The angel's words echo Jesus' own predictions of His resurrection (Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:34), confirming the truth of His promises. The angel then commissioned the women to tell the disciples, including Peter, that Jesus would meet them in Galilee (Mark 16:7). Peter, who had denied Jesus, was perhaps singled out to reassure him of the Lord’s forgiveness. The women were to become messengers of this incredible news.
Fear and Obedience (Mark 16:8)
Initially, the women were overwhelmed with fear and amazement. Mark 16:8 states that they "went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid." This ending, found in the earliest and most reliable manuscripts, leaves the reader with a sense of unresolved tension. It underscores the disciples' initial confusion and fear in the face of the resurrection. It highlights the disciples are in hiding. His tomb is empty. His women followers are confused and scared. But this is, perhaps, an appropriate ending considering what Mark has shown us about Jesus' relationship with His followers. What we think of Jesus has no bearing on Who He is. We may think Him to be a teacher, a future King, the source of infinite blessings, or a helpless, innocent man hanging on a cross. What He is, is the Son of Man from Daniel 7 who will be given "dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him" (Daniel 7:14). The women may not understand what has happened yet and the disciples may not believe the news of His resurrection at first. But Jesus will patiently reveal Himself to them, and through their testimony the world will come to hear of who He is. The fact that Jesus returns and chooses these clueless, timid souls to build His church merely proves how much we need His grace-giving sacrifice. However, it's important to note that other accounts in Matthew and Luke (Matthew 28:8; Luke 24:9-10) indicate that the women eventually overcame their fear and delivered the message to the disciples.
The Longer Ending of Mark (Mark 16:9-20)
Many Bibles include verses 9-20, often referred to as the "longer ending" of Mark. While these verses are found in later manuscripts, they are not present in the oldest and most reliable ones. Most scholars believe they were added later, possibly drawing from other Gospel accounts, to provide a more conclusive ending. The inclusion of the extended ending of Mark does not invalidate the reliability of this Gospel or the Bible as a whole. In fact, all but one phrase recorded in verses 9–20 is at least partially confirmed somewhere in the other three Gospels or the book of Acts.
- Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11): Mary Magdalene was the first person who saw the risen Lord Jesus and informed the disciples (see Matthew 28:1, 8-10; Luke 24:10-11; John 20:1-3, 11-18). The disciples, however, did not believe her.
- Jesus Appears to Two Disciples (Mark 16:12-13): The two to whom Jesus appeared while they were walking seem to be the two disciples who were on their way to Emmaus (see Luke 24:13-35). Again, their testimony was not initially accepted.
- The Great Commission (Mark 16:14-18): Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples and rebuked them for their unbelief. He then commissioned them to preach the gospel to the entire world (Mark 16:15). Those who believe and are baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16). He also promised them that they would perform miraculous signs as apostolic confirmation of the truth of their message (see Hebrews 2:3-4; also Acts 2:1-13; 3:1-10; 5:12-16; 20:7-12; 28:1-6). These signs include casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, handling snakes without harm, and healing the sick.
- The Ascension (Mark 16:19-20): Finally, the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven and sat at the right hand of God (see Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9). The disciples then went out and preached everywhere, with the Lord working with them and confirming their message through signs.
Understanding the Significance
Whether Mark's Gospel originally ended at verse 8 or included the longer ending, the message of the resurrection remains central. Jesus Christ conquered death and offers new life to all who believe. The disciples, despite their initial doubts and fears, were transformed into bold witnesses of the risen Lord.
Key takeaways for us today:
- The reality of the resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It validates His claims, demonstrates His power over death, and offers hope for eternal life.
- The call to discipleship: We are all called to be disciples of Jesus, sharing the good news of His love and forgiveness with the world.
- Overcoming doubt and fear: Like the first disciples, we may experience doubt and fear. But through faith and obedience, we can overcome these challenges and become effective witnesses for Christ.
- The power of the Holy Spirit: The miraculous signs mentioned in the longer ending, while debated, point to the power of the Holy Spirit working through believers. While not all believers may perform these specific signs, we are all empowered by the Spirit to live out our faith and impact the world.
Mark 16 challenges us to consider our own response to the resurrection. Do we believe that Jesus is truly risen? Are we willing to embrace His call to discipleship and share the good news with others? May we, like the disciples, be transformed by the power of the risen Christ and become bold witnesses of His love and grace.
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Mark 16, the concluding chapter of Mark's Gospel, is a powerful testament to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the commissioning of His followers. It's a chapter that has sparked much discussion, particularly regarding its ending, but its core message remains undeniable: Jesus is risen, and His disciples are called to spread the good news. This chapter holds immense significance for understanding the Christian faith and our role within it.
The Empty Tomb (Mark 16:1-4)
Following the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, along with other women (Luke 24:10), set out to anoint Jesus' body with spices. Their journey reflects a deep love and devotion, even in the face of grief. They were concerned about who would roll away the heavy stone that sealed the tomb's entrance (Mark 16:3). This detail highlights the practical difficulties they faced, emphasizing their courage and determination. But upon arrival, they found the stone already rolled away (Mark 16:4). This unexpected discovery sets the stage for the miraculous events that follow. The rolling away of the stone wasn't to let Jesus out, but to let the witnesses in!
An Encounter with an Angel (Mark 16:5-7)
Entering the tomb, the women were startled to find a young man dressed in a white robe (Mark 16:5). Matthew's Gospel clarifies that this was an angel (Matthew 28:5), a messenger from God. The angel reassured them, proclaiming, "Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him" (Mark 16:6). This is the central message of the Gospel: Jesus, who was crucified, is alive! The angel's words echo Jesus' own predictions of His resurrection (Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:34), confirming the truth of His promises. The angel then commissioned the women to tell the disciples, including Peter, that Jesus would meet them in Galilee (Mark 16:7). Peter, who had denied Jesus, was perhaps singled out to reassure him of the Lord’s forgiveness. The women were to become messengers of this incredible news.
Fear and Obedience (Mark 16:8)
Initially, the women were overwhelmed with fear and amazement. Mark 16:8 states that they "went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid." This ending, found in the earliest and most reliable manuscripts, leaves the reader with a sense of unresolved tension. It underscores the disciples' initial confusion and fear in the face of the resurrection. It highlights the disciples are in hiding. His tomb is empty. His women followers are confused and scared. But this is, perhaps, an appropriate ending considering what Mark has shown us about Jesus' relationship with His followers. What we think of Jesus has no bearing on Who He is. We may think Him to be a teacher, a future King, the source of infinite blessings, or a helpless, innocent man hanging on a cross. What He is, is the Son of Man from Daniel 7 who will be given "dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him" (Daniel 7:14). The women may not understand what has happened yet and the disciples may not believe the news of His resurrection at first. But Jesus will patiently reveal Himself to them, and through their testimony the world will come to hear of who He is. The fact that Jesus returns and chooses these clueless, timid souls to build His church merely proves how much we need His grace-giving sacrifice. However, it's important to note that other accounts in Matthew and Luke (Matthew 28:8; Luke 24:9-10) indicate that the women eventually overcame their fear and delivered the message to the disciples.
The Longer Ending of Mark (Mark 16:9-20)
Many Bibles include verses 9-20, often referred to as the "longer ending" of Mark. While these verses are found in later manuscripts, they are not present in the oldest and most reliable ones. Most scholars believe they were added later, possibly drawing from other Gospel accounts, to provide a more conclusive ending. The inclusion of the extended ending of Mark does not invalidate the reliability of this Gospel or the Bible as a whole. In fact, all but one phrase recorded in verses 9–20 is at least partially confirmed somewhere in the other three Gospels or the book of Acts.
- Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11): Mary Magdalene was the first person who saw the risen Lord Jesus and informed the disciples (see Matthew 28:1, 8-10; Luke 24:10-11; John 20:1-3, 11-18). The disciples, however, did not believe her.
- Jesus Appears to Two Disciples (Mark 16:12-13): The two to whom Jesus appeared while they were walking seem to be the two disciples who were on their way to Emmaus (see Luke 24:13-35). Again, their testimony was not initially accepted.
- The Great Commission (Mark 16:14-18): Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples and rebuked them for their unbelief. He then commissioned them to preach the gospel to the entire world (Mark 16:15). Those who believe and are baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16). He also promised them that they would perform miraculous signs as apostolic confirmation of the truth of their message (see Hebrews 2:3-4; also Acts 2:1-13; 3:1-10; 5:12-16; 20:7-12; 28:1-6). These signs include casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, handling snakes without harm, and healing the sick.
- The Ascension (Mark 16:19-20): Finally, the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven and sat at the right hand of God (see Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9). The disciples then went out and preached everywhere, with the Lord working with them and confirming their message through signs.
Understanding the Significance
Whether Mark's Gospel originally ended at verse 8 or included the longer ending, the message of the resurrection remains central. Jesus Christ conquered death and offers new life to all who believe. The disciples, despite their initial doubts and fears, were transformed into bold witnesses of the risen Lord.
Key takeaways for us today:
- The reality of the resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It validates His claims, demonstrates His power over death, and offers hope for eternal life.
- The call to discipleship: We are all called to be disciples of Jesus, sharing the good news of His love and forgiveness with the world.
- Overcoming doubt and fear: Like the first disciples, we may experience doubt and fear. But through faith and obedience, we can overcome these challenges and become effective witnesses for Christ.
- The power of the Holy Spirit: The miraculous signs mentioned in the longer ending, while debated, point to the power of the Holy Spirit working through believers. While not all believers may perform these specific signs, we are all empowered by the Spirit to live out our faith and impact the world.
Mark 16 challenges us to consider our own response to the resurrection. Do we believe that Jesus is truly risen? Are we willing to embrace His call to discipleship and share the good news with others? May we, like the disciples, be transformed by the power of the risen Christ and become bold witnesses of His love and grace.