Mark 16
Luke 16 is a chapter centered on two parables that Jesus told his disciples and the Pharisees (the parable of the dishonest manager and the rich man and Lazarus). Verses 1–13 focus on the “parable of the dishonest manager,” emphasizing a wise attitude toward material things and the importance of being faithful in “small matters.” In verses 14–18, a conversation with the Pharisees is inserted, revealing principles regarding the Law and the kingdom of God, as well as God’s perspective who looks at the human heart. In the final verses 19–31, the “parable of the rich man and Lazarus” continues, delivering a message about life in this world, the life to come, and eternal values.
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 parable of the dishonest manager
When the dishonest manager in verses 1–13 finds himself facing the loss of his position, he prepares for his future by reducing the debts owed to his master by those who owe him. Through this parable, Jesus says, “The sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation,” and teaches them to use the world’s wealth (wealth of wrongdoing) in a right way to prepare for what is eternal. The key is not the money itself, but rather the faithfulness and responsibility that are revealed through how the manager uses it, and ultimately the conclusion is that he “cannot serve God and money at the same time.”
The Law, God’s values, and the dispute with the Pharisees
In verses 14–18, Jesus points out that the Pharisees, who appear to keep the Law outwardly, actually love material things inwardly, as shown by the scene where they hear Jesus’ words and mock them. Jesus reminds them that what matters is the spirit of the Law—following God’s heart in essence—and makes clear that the Law and the kingdom of God are in harmony, and that God’s evaluation is true rather than human judgment.
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in verses 19–31, Jesus emphasizes that the circumstances of life on earth can be reversed completely after death. The rich man lived a life of luxury, but after he died he suffered; by contrast, the poor Lazarus received comfort. This parable shows that it is not possessions or external conditions, but one’s attitude in life, trust in God, and love and sharing with others that matter more in determining eternal life. It also warns that people must pay attention to God’s already-given message (the Law and the prophets).
Meditation points
- Living as a faithful steward: Let’s examine how I’m using the time, material resources, and relationships that God has entrusted to me.
- True value: Reflect on whether I am pursuing eternal value beyond what can be seen.
- Seeing from God’s perspective: Take a look back at whether I’m living a life that makes God happy rather than focusing on people’s outward evaluations.
- Change through God’s Word: Consider how much I’m listening to and responding to the Word God has already given.
Applying it to myself
- In daily life, think about whether you are faithfully carrying out the tasks and possessions you’ve been entrusted with.
- Practice whether your priorities in life place an attitude toward wealth, sharing and care, and eternal value at the forefront.
- If there is a neighbor nearby who needs help, look for an opportunity to practice love, even in small ways, without turning away.
- Make a decision to listen more closely to God’s Word and live out that Word in everyday life.
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This is the last chapter of Mark.