(This is supplement 3 to the “Last Week of Jesus” Bible study and chat taking place over 3 consecutive Sundays at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, 4:00 p.m. Pacific USA. Pastor Mike is teaching about the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ on March 6th, 13th and 20th. The chapters under consideration are Mark 14:1-72, 15:1-47 and 16:1-20. Join the class: click here.)
INTRODUCTION
The Gospel of Mark can be outlined as follows: 1st 8 chapters ~ “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve”; 2nd 8 chapters ~ “and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
We left off last week with Christ dead and buried. (Mark 15:46-47) But it couldn’t end here!
THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK
“And when the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come [to the tomb] and anoint Him (Jesus).” (Mark 16:1)
Christ’s rising from the dead is the most glorious and unexpected event in the entirety of human history. (Mark 16:1-3) The women are coming as an act of love much like bringing flowers to a gravesite. (NLT) They are anticipating a dead man, still dead, with no hope or expectation of anything else. And when Jesus has spoken often to the disciples of His being raised on the third day! Why don’t we believe it if God says it?
The tomb isn’t opened to let Jesus out. (Mark 16:4-6a) Instead, it’s opened to let others in to see He isn’t there.
The angel points to the place where Jesus once lay. (Mark 16:6b) The women are then told to go tell the disciples and Peter. (Mark 16:7) We pick up the account of Mary going to tell Peter in John 20:1-8. The place where Jesus lay is highlighted again, but with an added specific detail. It’s the grave clothes (the place where Jesus lay) that are really the focal point. (John 20:5-7) It’s what convinces John especially that Jesus is risen. (John 20:8)
So what is it that convinces John? The grave clothes are two pieces, one for the body, one for the head. The clothes are in the exact same place that they were when Jesus was lying there. (The face-cloth is not moved over to the side as if someone or Jesus Himself moved it as some suggest.) The clothes haven’t been moved a single inch, millimeter, iota, bit, smidge. However you want to say it!
Are you hearing me somebody? Jesus was not unwrapped and the clothes thrown in a corner, shoved aside. Someone didn’t come and grab Him and carry Him off with the clothes still on Him. Both pieces are still in the exact same place. They have descended as if air has been let out of a balloon. This is what convinced John!
The Appearances of Christ after rising from the dead:
1. Mary Magdalene. (Mark 16:9)
2. Other women. (Matthew 28:9; Luke 24:10b)
3. Peter. (1 Corinthians 15:5)
4. Two disciples on Emmaus road. (Luke 24:15-31; 36-43)
5. Ten apostles – Thomas absent. (John 20:19, 24)
6. Eleven apostles – Thomas present. (John 20:26-28)
7. Seven disciples fishing. (John 21:1-14)
8. Eleven apostles on the mountain. (Matthew 28:16-17)
9. Five hundred brothers. (1 Corinthians 15:6)
10. James (Christ’s half brother). (1 Corinthians 15:7)
11. Eleven apostles prior to ascension. (Acts 1:2-9)
12. Saul on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9:1-6)
VERSES NOT INCLUDED IN EARLIEST MANUSCRIPTS
How do we deal with this unique passage that’s not included in the oldest manuscripts? (Mark 16:9-20) How can we accept it as the very Word of God? (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21) One way we deal with it is we recognize that it has solid reference in other undisputed portions of Scripture.
APPEARANCE TO MARY MAGDALENE
Mark 16:9-11 is not included in the oldest manuscripts, but it has solid reference in John 20:1; 11-18.
APPEARANCE ON THE EMMAUS ROAD
Mark 16:12-13 is not included in the oldest manuscripts, but it has solid reference in Luke 24:15-31; 36-43.
APPEARANCE TO THE ELEVEN ~ THOMAS PRESENT
Mark 16:14 is not included in the oldest manuscripts, but it has solid reference in John 20:26-28.
THE GREAT COMMISSION
So why are we spending time considering the last 6 verses of Mark 16 (v. 15-20) in the completion of a study on the resurrection even though they do not discuss the resurrection per se? Because if these last 6 verses aren’t true (as they are not included in the oldest manuscripts either just like v. 9-14), then how can the rest of the chapter be accepted as true (in which Christ’s resurrection is emphasized)? It is either true (the Word of God) together or not true (the Word of God) at all.
The Great Commission in Mark 16:15-18 is not included in the oldest manuscripts, but it has solid reference in Matthew 28:16-20.
SIGNS ACCOMPANYING BELIEVERS
“‘Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.’” (John 14:12)
There is a general application here of our Lord’s protection surrounding His people when they find themselves in dangerous situations. (Mark 16:18) This does not mean we should presume upon God. (Matthew 4:7)
ASCENSION INTO HEAVEN
Mark 16:19 is not included in the oldest manuscripts, but it has solid reference in Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9.
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Mark 16:20 is not included in the oldest manuscripts. It’s solid reference is the entire book of Acts.
STUDY QUESTIONS
1. Mark includes something unusual in his account of Christ’s resurrection that none of the other Gospels record. Read Mark 16:1-8 and see if you can figure it out.
2. “Baptism is a requirement for salvation.” (Mark 16:16) True or false? Explain your answer.
3. Unusual signs are to accompany believers in Jesus Christ including the ability to “pick up serpents” and “drink deadly poison.” (Mark 16:17-18) What do you think that means?
4. “God has been known to plan a celebration in a cemetery.” (“Six Hours One Friday” by Max Lucado) Ponder this quote and think about how it might apply in your own life right now.
(Christ’s Appearance to Mary Magdalene in the public domain: click here.)
About Pastor Mike
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