Mark chapter 16 recounts the resurrection of Jesus, his appearances to his followers, and his final instructions before ascending into heaven. It is a chapter of great hope, confirming that Jesus has conquered death and fulfilled God’s promise of salvation.
Early in the morning, after the Sabbath ends, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome go to Jesus' tomb at sunrise. They bring spices to anoint his body. As they approach, they wonder who will roll away the large stone from the entrance. However, when they arrive, they see that the stone has already been rolled away.
Entering the tomb, they see a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they are alarmed. He tells 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! But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He goes before you into Galilee. There you will see him, as he said to you.’" The women flee from the tomb, trembling and afraid. They say nothing to anyone at first because they are overwhelmed with fear.
The narrative then describes Jesus appearing to different people after his resurrection. He first appears to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She goes and tells the disciples, who are mourning and weeping, but they do not believe her.
Later, Jesus appears in a different form to two disciples walking in the countryside. They return and tell the others, but they also do not believe them.
Finally, Jesus appears to the eleven disciples as they are eating. He rebukes them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they did not believe those who had seen him after he was raised. He then gives them the Great Commission, saying, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who disbelieves will be condemned." He tells them that signs will follow those who believe: they will cast out demons, speak in new languages, handle serpents safely, and heal the sick.
After giving these instructions, 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 miraculous signs.
Mark 16 is a powerful conclusion to the Gospel. It highlights the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and the disciples’ initial struggle to believe it. The empty tomb and angelic message confirm that Jesus is alive. The resurrection appearances show his victory over death, and the Great Commission emphasizes the responsibility of his followers to share the gospel.
Mary Magdalene’s role in announcing Jesus’ resurrection is significant. Despite her past, she is honored as the first witness of the risen Christ. This reinforces the idea that God’s grace extends to all, regardless of their past. However, the disciples' disbelief shows human weakness. Even those closest to Jesus struggle with faith until they see him for themselves.
The Great Commission is a call for all believers to spread the message of salvation. The promised signs accompanying those who believe demonstrate God’s power at work through his people. These signs are not meant for personal gain but to confirm the truth of the gospel.
Jesus’ ascension marks the completion of his earthly mission and his return to glory. His position at the right hand of God signifies his authority and ongoing presence with his followers. The disciples' obedience in preaching the gospel shows their transformation from fearful followers to bold proclaimers of the Good News.
This chapter reminds us that Jesus’ resurrection changes everything. Death is not the end, and salvation is available to all who believe. The mission Jesus gave his disciples continues today, calling us to share his message of hope with the world.