Mark 16:1-20
In our final reading of the Gospel of Mark, Mark 16 describes the resurrection of Jesus and the events that followed. The last chapter of Mark’s Gospel encapsulates the hope and mission that come from Jesus’ resurrection, offering believers both the assurance of salvation and a call to spread the good news to others. Here are the key points of this chapter:
1. The Women Visit the Tomb (Verses 1-3)
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome go to Jesus' tomb early on the first day of the week (Sunday) to anoint His body with spices.
Significance: This highlights the women’s devotion to Jesus, showing they were among the first to witness His resurrection.
2. The Stone is Rolled Away (Verse 4)
When the women arrive, they see that the stone blocking the tomb has already been rolled away, which was a significant concern for them as it was very large.
Significance: This foreshadows the miraculous nature of Jesus’ resurrection. The stone’s removal is symbolic of the barrier between humanity and God being removed through Christ's victory over death.
3. The Angel Announces Jesus' Resurrection (Verses 5-7)
Inside the tomb, a young man (an angel) tells the women not to be afraid, explaining that Jesus, who was crucified, has risen. He instructs them to go and tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus will meet them in Galilee.
Significance: The angel’s message affirms that Jesus has conquered death. The specific mention of Peter is significant because it underscores God's grace in restoring Peter after his denial.
4. The Women Flee in Fear (Verses 8)
The women leave the tomb trembling and astonished, initially saying nothing to anyone because they were afraid.
Significance: This moment reflects the awe and fear of the resurrection event. Their initial silence is understood as a mix of fear and amazement, yet it sets the stage for them to become the first witnesses of the resurrection.
5. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (Verses 9-11)
Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She goes and tells the disciples, but they do not believe her.
Significance: Mary Magdalene becomes the first person to see the risen Jesus. Her testimony is important because it shows Jesus’ grace and the role of women as witnesses to the resurrection, even though their testimony might not have been widely accepted at the time.
6. Jesus Appears to Two Disciples (Verses 12-13)
Jesus appears to two disciples as they walk in the country. They also report to the others, but they do not believe them either.
Significance: Jesus’ appearances are not limited to a few individuals, highlighting His desire to show Himself to many and to confirm the truth of the resurrection.
7. Jesus Appears to the Eleven (Verses 14-18)
Jesus appears to the eleven disciples as they are eating and rebukes them for their lack of faith and their hardness of heart because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
He commissions them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation, promising that signs will accompany those who believe (casting out demons, speaking in tongues, healing the sick, etc.).
Significance: Jesus commissions His disciples to spread the gospel worldwide. The signs that accompany believers testify to God’s power and the truth of the message they proclaim.
8. The Ascension of Jesus (Verses 19-20)
After speaking with His disciples, Jesus is taken up into heaven and sits at the right hand of God.
The disciples go out and preach everywhere, and the Lord works with them, confirming the message with signs.
Significance: The ascension marks the completion of Jesus’ earthly ministry and His exaltation to the right hand of God. It also marks the beginning of the disciples’ ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Did you know the earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do include verses 9–20?
The earliest and most reliable manuscripts of the Gospel of Mark—such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus—do not contain Mark 16:9–20. These manuscripts, which date back to the 4th century, conclude at Mark 16:8, with the women fleeing the tomb in fear and saying nothing to anyone. Some early translations and patristic writings (writings from the Church Fathers) also suggest that the longer ending (Mark 16:9–20) was not part of the original text of Mark's Gospel. Although many later manuscripts do contain verses 9–20 (most notably in the Byzantine text tradition), these verses appear after a significant gap in many manuscripts, indicating that they might have been added later. Some manuscripts contain these verses with a note indicating that these verses were not found in all copies, suggesting awareness of the textual variation.
Textual criticism, the scholarly study of ancient manuscripts, suggests that the original Gospel of Mark may have ended at Mark 16:8, with the abrupt conclusion of the women’s silence and fear. This ending is often interpreted as intentionally open-ended, leaving readers with a sense of suspense or urgency. This moment reflects the awe and fear of the resurrection event. Their initial silence is understood as a mix of fear and amazement, yet it sets the stage for them to become the first witnesses of the resurrection.
The absence of Mark 16:9–20 in the earliest manuscripts suggests that these verses were likely added to Mark’s Gospel later, either to provide a more conventional ending or to align the Gospel more closely with the resurrection narratives found in other Gospels. While they are not considered part of the original text of Mark, these verses are still recognized as an early Christian tradition that reflects the essential truths of Jesus’ resurrection and the mission He entrusted to His followers.
Why do you believe the earliest manuscripts ended with verse 8? What do you think about the addition of verses 9-20 in later manuscripts? Something to think about. With this being the conclusion of our discussion of the Gospel of Mark this year, what kind of ending are you experiencing, one with a sense of suspense or urgency or that reflects a testimony of witness and the great commission?
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
If you are reading the Gospel of Mark with Pastor Chuck this year, below is a short and simple guide to doing so for this week:
Prayer: Heavenly Father, your words expose my innermost thoughts and desires. I am an open book before you when I read your book. May your truths work as I read of your holiness, truth, and love. May the power of your word be known in my life so that I might genuinely have the abundant life you came to give. Amen.
Read: Mark 16:1-20
Questions to guide your thinking:
1. How does the resurrection of Jesus impact my daily life?
The resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith, affirming Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus’ resurrection shape my hope, faith, and decisions? How do I live in the power of the resurrection each day?
2. Do I fully trust the testimony of those who witnessed the resurrection?
The women, Mary Magdalene, and the two disciples are all witnesses to the resurrection, yet many initially doubted them.
Reflection: How do I respond to the testimonies of others about Jesus? Do I believe and share the message of His resurrection, even when it’s difficult to understand or accept?
3. How can I live out the Great Commission in my own life?
Jesus commissions His disciples to go and preach the gospel to all creation.
Reflection: In what ways am I actively participating in sharing the gospel with others? Are there people or communities I can reach with the good news of Jesus?
4. What does Jesus’ promise of signs following believers teach me about faith and obedience?
Jesus promises that signs (like healing and casting out demons) will follow those who believe and obey.
Reflection: Do I expect God to work through me in powerful ways as I follow Jesus? How can I demonstrate greater faith in God’s ability to work through me to accomplish His purposes?
5. How does the ascension of Jesus shape my understanding of His authority and my hope for His return?
Jesus ascends to the right hand of God, signifying His exaltation and authority over all things.
Reflection: How does Jesus’ ascension influence my view of His ultimate authority? How can I live with the hope and expectation of His return, knowing He reigns in heaven?
