Discover the Gospel of Mark in 3 WeeksSample

He has risen! (Mark 16:1-20)

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. Mark 16:6 (NIV)

Context:

In the oldest recovered manuscripts, Mark’s gospel concludes at 16:8. As a result, some biblical scholars think that the gospel originally ended here. Or, others suggest that here Mark’s original ending tore off, due to the tendency of ancient manuscripts to decay. The longer ending may have been added as a supplement in the 2nd century, drawing from information found in Matthew, Luke, and John, along with traditions of the early church.

As Christians who trust the Bible, this doesn’t need to disturb us. Credible scholarship has demonstrated that we can be highly confident that our Bibles accurately reflect the original teachings of Jesus.

For interpreting today’s reading:

• First, let’s imagine Mark intended the gospel to conclude at 16:8, and consider the impact this ending might have had on the original readers. Recall that the background video (from Day 1 and Day 20) identified Mark’s readers as the church in Rome, who were in the midst of a time of great difficulty.
• Then, let’s consider other New Testament passages about the resurrection, which assure us of its historicity and affirm that it was boldly proclaimed by the eyewitnesses (see Acts 2:22-36; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 and 15:12-26).

Observation:

In Mark 16:1-8, notice that the women bringing spices:

1. Were told that Jesus was raised from the dead
2. Had not yet seen him for themselves
3. Were told to proclaim to others this good news
4. Were afraid, confused, and asking questions

**Note: The oldest manuscripts end the gospel of Mark after this story.**

Interpretation:

Consider this ending from the perspective of Mark’s readers in Rome.

• How could they relate to each of the 4 aspects of the women’s situation?
• How might this abrupt ending to Mark’s Gospel serve to encourage the original readers in their current situation?

Though Mark’s report of these woman may have been cut off at 16:8, what do you think they ended up doing? Why do you think so?

The New Testament evidence points to the fact that these women did not remain silent, but instead reported the good news of the resurrection to Peter and the others (see Luke 24:1-11). As well, Jesus himself appeared to many others after his resurrection. Paul even writes that 500 people saw him at one time (see 1 Corinthians 15:6)!

The first sermon on the resurrection, preached by Peter, highlights it as God’s vindication of Jesus (see Acts 2:22-36). Even though Jesus had disappointed many people’s messianic expectations, and his followers had thought that his crucifixion was the end of their hope, the resurrection proves otherwise. Jesus was who he said he was, and not even death could hold him!

Additionally, Paul writes that Christ’s resurrection is the firstfruits of the resurrection every believer will one day experience (see 1 Corinthians 15:12-26).

Application:

In what ways can you personally relate to the 4 aspects of the situation of the women at the tomb? How can the contemporary church relate to these 4 aspects?

How does the ending of Mark invite you and the rest of today’s church to respond after hearing the good news of the resurrection of Jesus? Can you name one practical way to do that in the next week?

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