Mark 16
Mark 16 records the women discovering the empty tomb and receiving the announcement that Jesus has been raised. Verses 1–8 form the earliest ending preserved in some of the oldest manuscripts. Many Bibles also include verses 9–20 as the longer ending, often with a note about its textual history. A neutral commentary should therefore distinguish the empty-tomb narrative from the later manuscript ending while explaining the chapter’s central message of resurrection and proclamation.
1verseWhen the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint him.
2verseVery early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.
3verseThey were saying among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?”
4versefor it was very big. Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back.
5verseEntering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed.
6verseHe said to them, “Don’t be amazed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him!
7verseBut go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He goes before you into Galilee. There you will see him, as he said to you.’”
8verseThey went out, and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come on them. They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid.
9verseNow when he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.
10verseShe went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
11verseWhen they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they disbelieved.
12verseAfter these things he was revealed in another form to two of them as they walked, on their way into the country.
13verseThey went away and told it to the rest. They didn’t believe them, either.
14verseAfterward he was revealed to the eleven themselves as they sat at the table; and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they didn’t believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
15verseHe said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to the whole creation.
16verseHe who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.
17verseThese signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages;
18versethey will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19verseSo then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
20verseThey went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.
The Flow of the Main Contents
- The women' visit and the empty tomb (verses 1-8): Some women who go to find Jesus' tomb discover that the tomb is empty and hear from an angel that Jesus has risen. In fear and amazement, they rush to share this news.
- The appearance of the resurrected Jesus (verses 9-14): Jesus appears step by step to Mary Magdalene and other disciples. The disciples initially cannot believe this news easily, but they come to have faith because of Jesus' direct appearances.
- The mission given to the disciples and the ascension (verses 15-20): Jesus gives the key disciples the mission, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.' Then, after Jesus ascends to heaven, the disciples work hard to carry out the proclamation of the gospel in accordance with that message.
The Meaning and Characteristics of the Entire Chapter
Mark 16 does not end with Jesus' suffering and death; instead, it proclaims a new beginning through the resurrection and presents hope that forms the foundation of the person of faith faith. It also suggests to us the possibility of change and a new life, through the portrayal of people who gradually accept Jesus' resurrection amid fear and doubt and are transformed into witnesses of that news.
In particular, this chapter emphasizes that the Gospel is not merely an event affecting individuals, but good news for the whole world.
Points for Reflection
- When you first hear the news of Jesus' resurrection, reflect on the process by which the women and the disciples experienced fear and amazement, and how their faith changed.
- Think about how the Gospel message may be fear for some people, but at the same time can become a new possibility and hope.
- Take time to consider what the mission Jesus gave us (the preaching of the Gospel) means for us today.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Reflect on how you receive the message of hope that is given at moments you do not expect.
- In your life, think concretely about how you might put into practice Jesus' mission of 'preaching the Gospel.'
- When fear or doubt arises, take courage to move one step further, like the witnesses of faith.
This is the last chapter of Mark.