A New Beginning
READ
Mark's final chapter brings us full circle while propelling us forward. What began as "the beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah" (Mark 1:1) now culminates in the ultimate good news—Jesus is risen! But this ending is really a new beginning.
Let’s take a moment to read Mark 16.
Mark 16:6-7
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
Mark 16:15
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
REFLECT
The chapter opens with faithful women approaching the tomb at dawn, wondering, "Who will roll the stone away?" Their practical concern is met with a supernatural reality that exceeds their expectations—not only is the stone moved, but Jesus himself is gone, replaced by a heavenly messenger with astonishing news.
Mark likely concluded his original Gospel at verse 8 with the women fleeing in "trembling and bewilderment...because they were afraid." This abrupt ending captures the disorienting power of the resurrection. Some of the earliest manuscripts end here, while others include the longer ending (verses 9-20) that provides more resolution and instruction.
If we include the longer ending, we see a progression from doubt to belief, from confusion to clarity, and from fear to bold action. Mary Magdalene's testimony is initially disbelieved. The two travelers' account is met with skepticism. Only when Jesus appears directly to the eleven, rebuking their unbelief, does the reality of resurrection fully register.
This pattern feels authentic to human experience. Life-changing truth rarely lands all at once. We question, doubt, and resist before embracing transformative realities. The disciples' journey from despair to faith mirrors our own spiritual journeys.
The Great Commission and ascension account tie together themes that have run throughout Mark. Jesus' authority—demonstrated over sickness, nature, demons, sin, and ultimately death—is now universalized and extended through his followers. The kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed has broken into the world and continues to advance through gospel proclamation and demonstration.
Mark's portrayal of resurrection is not merely about a historical event but about a continuing reality. The risen Jesus is not a figure confined to the past but a present Lord actively working with his followers. The signs and wonders that characterized Jesus' earthly ministry now accompany those who carry his message forward.
As we conclude our study of Mark's Gospel, we're invited to see ourselves as participants in this ongoing narrative. The urgent, action-oriented account that began with Jesus by the Jordan River now extends to "all creation." The call remains the same: "Follow me."
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.
Looking back over Mark's Gospel, which encounter with Jesus has most impacted your understanding of who he is?
The disciples moved from fear and unbelief to courageous proclamation. Where are you in this journey of faith?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the vivid portrait of yourself painted in Mark's Gospel. Let the truth of your life, death, resurrection, and ongoing ministry transform how I think, believe, and live. As your story continues to unfold in our world, help me to play my part with courage and faithfulness. Amen.