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.

Jesus loves me - this I know... How do I know?

Recently, I was introduced to a video of CSL prof stating that "Jesus loves me - this I know, for the Bible tells me so" is a theologically BAD song. I was surprised, to say politely (and in accordance with SC VIII commandment). A few seconds earlier he tried to rant a person who tries to look for the will of God in his or her life by reading the Bible (couldn't come up with a decent example - had to make a really dumb one on the spot). So, really, if it is not the Bible, HOW do I know that Jesus loves me?     

There are many things that can be said here. 

First, I became a believer because I was studying the Scriptures. To be honest, I had no intent to become a Christian, let alone a Lutheran or a Lutheran pastor. But, it is the Scriptural message - about God the Creator, Jesus who died in the Cross, everything, especially in comparison with other texts that I read at the same time - Nietzsche, Schopenhauer, Quran, Bhagavat-Gita... Only Bible talked about God who gave Himself up to solve OUR problem. 

Second, Dr. Martin Luther was introduced to Jesus way before he became a monk or a Dr. He was baptized, was a regular church-goer. Yet, the image of Jesus was - to say the least - distorted. He was known only as the One who is coming on the Last Day to judge both the living and the dead. It was a wrestle with Romans 1:16-17 that brought peace to his heart - why? Because Bible told him that Jesus's righteousness is not a righteousness of achievements but an imputed one. To translate it from theological jargon to "normal English": from then on he knew that Jesus loves him - why? For the Bible told him so! That's why he spent his time in Wartburg castle translating the Bible into German!! 

Third, I come from a church body that was heavily persecuted during Stalin's reign in the USSR. When people were deported to the exile, some of the godly church members would be charged taking care of an altar Bible. I do not have a picture on hand but it looked something like this one - in comparison with my personal pocket Bible that I use for devotional readings wherever I go. Just think about it, a family was given a limit of kilograms (pounds) of goods they are allowed to take into exile. Instead of taking clothing, house items, or even food, they would take a heavy old-printed Holy Scripture. According to this prof it was a foolish act of Bibleolatry - worshiping the Bible. They all know who Jesus is, that should've been sufficient. Yet, they made their choice - taking God's Word with them to exile to support and maintain their faith in biblical Jesus.

In addition: here is Zion's service with a sermon partially devoted to the topic at hand (you find sermon at 33:30)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OES5WPm-oQY&t=2176s  

Also, here is a helpful discussion of the topic by pastors Brian Wolfmueller and Andrew Packer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRIL2WTG8Hs  

To conclude, Jesus loves me - this I know... Why? 
For the Bible tells me so!                

Blessings!