Gospel of Mark: Resurrection

Resurrection of Jesus Christ

txt: Mark 16

Outline:

A. 16:1-8, Women at the tomb

  B1. 16:9-11, Appearance to Mary Magdalene

  B2. 16:12-13, Appearance to two disciples

  B3. 16:14-18, Appearance to the 11

C. 16:19-20, Ascension

Comments: We are at the very end of our journey through the Gospel of Mark. There are textual questions [some of the scholars believe (!) verses 9-20 are NOT part of the original text, they are wrong] – we will deal with them as we go.

The most important aspect of the Resurrection story – personal encounter of Jesus. He rose or was raised from the dead – it is a historical fact. There are many books and other resources dedicated to the issue. Yet, at the same time, it was not an easy shift of paradigm for the disciples of Jesus [who spent with Him years of following] to accept the truth of the resurrection. Therefore, we should not be surprised, when we share the story of Jesus and they – regardless of our factually strong arguments – do not believe. Keep praying for them. May the Lord of life in His mercy grant them seeing the reality, beauty, and grace of risen Jesus.

Also, the Gospel of Mark is a shorter version of the Gospel of Matthew and, probably, the Gospel of John. That's why the story of Mary Magdalene is SO short. That's why the appearance to the 11 has no “office of the keys” (unlike in the Gospel of John 20:19-23). One should read it together with the other Gospels to get the complete story.

A. As we read – note, not a single person was ready for the Good News of resurrection. Women came to the tomb to prepare the body for the years of presence in the tomb. I guess, they – be it their way – would turn it into a memorial complex, like the grave of king David (Acts 2:29). Their main concern is the large stone that blocks the entrance to the tomb: Who will roll away the stone for us? (Mark 16:3).

Angel has a three part message for them. First, do not be alarmed (quite fitting, for they were alarmed, v. 5). Second, Jesus – the One you are seeking – is risen and is not here, check it out for yourselves. Third, go and tell the disciples AND Peter that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. I guess Peter is separated from the crowd not because of his importance, but because of his failure – remember, how he insisted that he'd never betray Jesus (14:29-30 and 14:66-72). John goes into much details explaining how Peter re-instituted his relationship with Jesus. Here, Peter is one of the 11 who are rebuked by the LORD for the lack of faith (16:14).

Before we go any farther, we need to talk about the text. As I mentioned above, there are people who deny the status of original text to 16:9-20. Main reason – these verses are not found in some manuscripts. Big deal, but they ARE found in some other manuscripts. Also, look at the structural argument:

1:1 ------- A ----- 16:19-20 1:2-15 ---- B -----16:14-14 1:16-20 --- C --- 16:12-13 1:21-28 --- D --- 16:9-11 1:29-31 --- E --- 16:1-8

Jesus Christ, Son of God, Lord Signs from heaven of Jesus vs. of the disciples First disciples vs. two disciples man of an unclean spirit vs. Mary Magdalene (7 demons) Lifting up Simon's mother-in-law vs. Resurrection

B1 and B2. As I mentioned above blocks B1 and B2 are smaller than in the other Gospels. The thing to pay attention to is the witness of both Mary Magdalene and two travelers “into the country” (in Luke it's Emmaus) are dismissed – they would not believe her, they would not believe them (16:11, 13). This 1+2 witnesses follow biblical model of two or three witnesses. It is two groups of witnesses here, but three in number.

This lack of believing builds up to the point of face to face “confrontation” between Jesus and the eleven (16:14). He rebukes hem for unbelief and hardness of heart. He doesn't fold to keep them on the straight and narrow... If they want to be his ministers – they need to trust the LORD.

At the same time, Jesus is very gracious – He did wait for their “maturation.” He commanded them “go into all the world.” Main task is to preach the gospel to the whole creation – not only to people, but behave as a child of God the creator, taking care of your own environment (has noting to do with Green Peace or Greta Thunberg).

To be saved a person should be a baptized believer. Yet, the criteria for the condemnation is a lack of faith. Note, that Jesus says it right after He confronts the disciples about their unbelief and hardness of heart.

5 signs:

1. Casting out demons – spiritual healing of the struggling

2. Speak in new tongues – Acts 2

3. Pick up a serpent – Acts 28:3-6

4. Drink deadly poison – tradition says that St. John took a cup of poison in Ephesus

5. Laying hands on the sick – James 5:14-15