The Good News!!!

Mark 16:9-20

"9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils.

10 And she went and told them that had been with Him, as they mourned and wept.

11 And they, when they had heard that He was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

12 After that He appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

14 Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen.

15 And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."

Today’s verses are often called the "Longer Ending" of the Gospel of Mark, is a disputed passage that describes post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, the Great Commission, and signs accompanying believers. Most scholars agree these verses were not part of the original text, as they are absent from the earliest and most reliable manuscripts, including Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, and the narrative style and vocabulary differ significantly from the rest of Mark’s Gospel. 

The passage contains four key elements:

Resurrection Appearances: Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, then to two disciples on the road, and finally to the Eleven, rebuking their unbelief. 

The Great Commission: Jesus commands His followers to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

Signs of Belief: Promises that believers will drive out demons, speak in new tongues, handle snakes, drink poison without harm, and heal the sick.

Ascension: Jesus is taken up into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, while the disciples preach everywhere with the Lord confirming their message.

These verses were likely added by later scribes to provide a more satisfying conclusion that harmonizes with the resurrection accounts in Matthew, Luke, and John, as the original ending at verse 8 leaves the women silent and fearful at the empty tomb. Despite textual doubts, the passage remains in most modern translations, often with a note indicating its disputed status, because it encapsulates core Christian doctrines of the resurrection and evangelism.

And, that's the end of the Gospel According to Mark. Hopefully reading it this summer has been rewarding for you. Let yourself be inspired to "Go into all the world and preach The Good News to all creation?" (v.15)

Amen.