Seeing Jesus in the Gospel of MarkSample

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

Look Closely:

- What were the responses of the people in attendance at the crucifixion?

- Imagine yourself as the Roman centurion and re-read 15:21-39. Perhaps you were the one who grabbed Simon of Cyrene and the one who led the way to Golgotha. What would you think as you watched every step of the way and heard every word spoken by the haters and Jesus? What would have brought you to your final words in verse 39? And with that declaration, what would you have felt about yourself and your participation in this event?

- What kinds of things are included in the account of the resurrection of Jesus that probably would not have been included if this were a made-up story?

- What were the disciples commanded to do? Put the message of the gospel in your own words. (16:15-16)

Bible Dictionary Spotlight: The longer ending of Mark.

Verses 16:9-20 are often called the longer ending of Mark because the oldest manuscripts of Mark do not contain these verses. Some also observe that there are Greek words, expressions, and a style used in these last verses that are not used in the rest of Mark. This is why some translations surround this section with brackets. Perhaps most importantly, most of what is written in the longer ending is also mentioned in other parts of the New Testament, and no point of doctrine is affected.

Bonus: Make a list of passages from Mathew, Luke, John, and Acts that say similar things as the longer ending of Mark.

If Mark ended his account in verse 8, why might he have ended so abruptly? As we are, the first disciples would have been aware that there is more to the story. Perhaps the abrupt ending compels the reader to tell the rest of the story and thus become the witnesses that Jesus called His disciples to be.

Pause to Pray: My Jesus, I am overwhelmed by your suffering, your mercy and compassion for those who rejected you, and the great power you hold, as seen in your resurrection. Help me to live in this awe and appreciation of you every day for the rest of my life. Amen.