1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.
2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.
3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”
4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large.
5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed.
6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”
8 And 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.
9 [[Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.]]
10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country.
13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.
The True Meaning of Mark 16
The Gospel of Mark, believed to have been written by John Mark, a companion of the apostle Peter, provides a vivid account of the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Christ’s sacrificial mission culminates in this chapter, profoundly impacting the lives of His followers. As we delve into this pivotal chapter, we will encounter the remarkable events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection, the angelic proclamation, and the disciples’ initial response. These events would forever transform the course of human history, ushering in a new era of hope, redemption, and the establishment of the Church.
The chapter opens with the discovery of the empty tomb, a testament to the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy regarding His resurrection (Matthew 16:21, Luke 24:6-7). The women who had come to anoint the body are met with a startling revelation, setting the stage for the profound impact of Christ’s triumph over death. The angel’s words, “He has risen; he is not here” (Mark 16:6), echo the promise of salvation and the dawn of a new covenant between God and humanity.
Mark 16:1-8
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome arrive at the tomb of Jesus at sunrise in Mark 16:1-8, intending to anoint his body with spices. These women had been loyal followers of Jesus, witnessing his crucifixion and now coming to honor him even in his death. They approached the tomb, concerned about who would roll away the heavy stone blocking the entrance. This is a relatable moment where human limitations come face to face with the divine.
The women find the stone already rolled away, and upon entering the tomb, they see a young man sitting on the right side dressed in white. This young man, traditionally believed to be an angel, reassures them not to be afraid and informs them that Jesus, whom they seek, has risen from the dead and is not there. Instead, they are to go and tell his disciples, particularly Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of them to Galilee, where they would see him, just as he had told them.
This passage is crucial as it marks the climax of the Gospel of Mark. The resurrection of Jesus is not only a central tenet of Christianity but also a pivotal moment in the Biblical narrative. It signifies victory over death, sin, and evil. The fact that the angel specifically mentions Peter is poignant, considering Peter’s denial of Jesus before his crucifixion. This shows the grace and restoration that Jesus offers to his followers, regardless of their past failures. It underscores the theme of redemption and forgiveness that runs throughout the Bible.
It is important to note that the ending of Mark’s Gospel in verses 9-20 varies in different manuscripts, with some ancient manuscripts ending at verse 8. Regardless of this textual debate, the resurrection of Jesus remains a fundamental belief in Christianity, as affirmed in other parts of the New Testament. The resurrection validates Jesus’ claims about himself, his message, and his mission. It is the ultimate sign of God’s power and the fulfillment of prophecies from the Old Testament.
The women’s response to the angel’s message is fear and amazement, and they flee from the tomb, trembling and bewildered. Their initial reaction is one of shock and uncertainty, which is understandable given the magnitude of what they had just witnessed. This human response underscores the mysterious and awe-inspiring nature of the resurrection event. It challenges the readers to contemplate the implications of Jesus conquering death and the implications for their own lives. Mark 16:1-8 captures the essence of the Gospel message – the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and faith over doubt. The resurrection of Jesus changes everything and sets the foundation for the Christian faith. It challenges believers to live in the reality of this profound truth and to share the good news with others, just as the women were instructed to do. The story of Jesus doesn’t end at the cross or the tomb; it continues with the resurrection and the promise of eternal life for all who believe.
Mark 16:9-14
Several important sections to analyze are found in Mark 16:9-14. Let’s break it down:
-
“Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. Mary Magdalene sees the resurrection of Jesus Christ being revealed in this section. Mary Magdalene is known for her unwavering devotion to Jesus throughout his ministry. The fact that Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first is significant because it shows that Jesus entrusted her with the crucial message of his resurrection. It highlights how Jesus valued and respected women, despite societal norms of that time. This act of appearing to Mary Magdalene first also demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and love for all his followers, regardless of their status or background. Mary Magdalene’s story throughout the Bible serves as a powerful example of faithfulness and loyalty, as she remained steadfast in her love for Jesus.
-
“She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept.”
Mary Magdalene’s immediate response to seeing Jesus was to go and share the good news with the disciples, who were grieving over his crucifixion. Her actions show her eagerness to spread the message of Christ’s resurrection, fulfilling the role of a faithful disciple. This moment highlights the importance of spreading the gospel and sharing the truth with others, even in times of sorrow or hardship. It reminds us of the commission Jesus gave his followers in Mark 16:15, to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mary Magdalene’s boldness in sharing the news of the resurrection sets an example for believers today to courageously proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ.
- “And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.”
This section reveals the disbelief of the disciples upon hearing Mary Magdalene’s testimony of seeing Jesus alive. Despite all that Jesus had taught them about his resurrection, the disciples struggled to believe until they saw him with their own eyes. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. It also underscores the human tendency to doubt, even among those who had been closest to Jesus. This disbelief sets the stage for the later appearances of Jesus to the disciples, where he lovingly reassures them and strengthens their faith.
- “After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country.”
This section refers to the appearance of Jesus to two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). This encounter is significant because it demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to meet his followers where they are, in their moment of despair and confusion. The fact that Jesus appeared to these disciples in “another form” emphasizes his ability to reveal himself in unexpected ways, guiding them to a deeper understanding of scripture and the fulfillment of prophecy. This story emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus in all aspects of our lives, even in moments when we may not immediately perceive his presence. Mark 16:9-14 paints a vivid picture of the events following Jesus’ resurrection, highlighting key themes such as faith, discipleship, spreading the gospel, and the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. The interactions and reactions of Mary Magdalene and the disciples serve as valuable lessons for believers today, urging us to remain steadfast in our faith, boldly proclaim the good news, and trust in the promises of the resurrected Savior.
Mark 16:15-18
Jesus instructs his disciples before ascending into heaven in Mark 16:15-18, saying, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Those who believe will drive out demons in my name, speak in new tongues, pick up snakes with their hands, drink deadly poison without harm, and heal sick people by placing their hands on them.”
Firstly, the command to “preach the gospel to all creation” highlights the universal nature of the message of salvation. This commission was not limited to a certain group of people or time period but was meant for all nations and all generations. It emphasizes the importance of spreading the Good News to all corners of the world so that everyone has the opportunity to hear and respond to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Secondly, the promise that “those who believe will be saved” underscores the foundational principle of salvation through faith in Jesus. This declaration echoes other verses in the Bible, such as John 3:16, where it is made clear that salvation is a result of belief in Jesus as the Son of God. This simple yet profound truth forms the core of Christianity and emphasizes the need for a personal decision to accept Jesus as Savior in order to receive the gift of eternal life.
The subsequent mention of “driving out demons, speaking in new tongues, picking up snakes, and healing the sick” as signs accompanying believers has sparked various interpretations and debates among theologians and scholars. Some view these signs as literal manifestations of the power of God working through believers, while others see them as symbolic representations of the authority given to believers to combat spiritual darkness and proclaim the message of Christ fearlessly. Disciples and early Christians performed miracles and acts of power in the name of Jesus throughout the New Testament, highlighting the importance of understanding these signs. For example, in Acts 2, the disciples spoke in tongues on the day of Pentecost, demonstrating the supernatural empowerment they received. Peter and John healed a lame man in Acts 3, demonstrating the authority they had in Jesus’ name to bring about physical restoration. Mark 16:15-18 encapsulates the essence of the Christian mission to proclaim the gospel, emphasize the necessity of faith for salvation, and point to the supernatural signs that may accompany believers as they carry out God’s work. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ and the calling for every believer to actively participate in spreading the message of salvation to the ends of the earth.
Mark 16:19-20
The Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God after he had spoken to them in Mark 16:19-20. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.” This section concludes the Gospel of Mark and summarizes the post-resurrection activities of Jesus and his disciples.
When Jesus is described as being taken up into heaven and sitting at the right hand of God, it is a significant moment that symbolizes the completion of his earthly ministry and his triumph over sin and death. This event is also described in the book of Acts, which provides additional details on the Ascension of Jesus. The Ascension is crucial as it demonstrates Jesus’ return to the Father and establishes his authority over all creation from a position of power and glory. This act also fulfills the prophecy in the Old Testament, such as Psalm 110:1, which speaks of the Messiah being seated at the right hand of the Father.
The disciples, having received the Great Commission from Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20), are now seen following through with this command in Mark 16:20. They went out and preached everywhere, fearlessly spreading the message of Christ’s resurrection and salvation to all who would listen. This demonstrates their obedience to Jesus’ words and their commitment to sharing the good news of the gospel with others. The accompanying signs mentioned in this verse point to the miracles and wonders that accompanied the preaching of the disciples, validating the authority and truth of their message. This highlights the significance of signs and wonders in confirming the legitimacy of the gospel message, a theme that is also seen in the book of Acts where miracles were a common occurrence as the early Church spread the word of God. These verses in Mark 16 serve as a powerful conclusion to the Gospel, emphasizing Jesus’ exaltation, the disciples’ obedience in spreading the gospel, and the continued work of the Lord in confirming the message through signs. The Ascension of Jesus reminds Christians of the hope we have in his return and the authority he holds over all creation, while the disciples’ actions inspire us to actively participate in sharing the gospel and making disciples as followers of Christ.
After Mark 16
We witness the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His appearance to His disciples in the final chapter of Mark. The women who had come to the tomb were astonished to find it empty, and an angel told them that Jesus had risen. Jesus then appeared to His disciples, commissioning them to go out and spread the good news to all the world. This miraculous event solidified the faith of the disciples and set the stage for the next chapter in the story of Christianity. We reflect on the resurrection of Jesus, reminding us of the power of God to overcome even death itself. The resurrection serves as a beacon of hope for all believers, showing us that through Christ, we can find redemption and eternal life. We carry this message of hope and salvation with us as we continue on our journey of faith, knowing that the risen Christ walks with us every step of the way.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.