Went Out

READ

Mark's Gospel concludes with remarkable brevity. In just two verses, he describes Jesus' ascension to heaven, his session at God's right hand, and the disciples' continued ministry—all with minimal detail. But these brief sentences carry profound meaning that ties together the entire narrative.

Let’s take a moment to read Mark 16:19-20:

After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

REFLECT

"After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God." This simple statement contains cosmic significance. Jesus' ascension wasn't merely his departure; it was his enthronement. Throughout Mark's Gospel, Jesus' authority has been questioned and challenged by religious leaders, demons, and even natural forces. Now, his rightful place "at the right hand of God"—the position of highest honor and authority—is established.

This ascension doesn't mean Jesus abandoned his mission or his followers. Rather, it represents a transition from Jesus' localized ministry in Palestine to his universal lordship. From heaven, he now rules over all creation and continues his work through his followers.

The disciples' response is equally significant: "Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere." Before Jesus' crucifixion, they had scattered in fear. Now, empowered by their encounters with the risen Christ and the promise of supernatural confirmation, they boldly proclaimed the gospel throughout the known world.

Mark adds a crucial detail: "the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it." Jesus may have ascended physically, but he remained actively involved in the mission. The miracles weren't performed by the disciples under their own power; they were manifestations of the exalted Christ working through his followers.

This collaboration between the ascended Lord and his earthly followers creates a beautiful model of ministry. The disciples did their part—going, preaching, and trusting—while Jesus did what only he could do, confirming the message with supernatural power.

Mark's abrupt ending leaves us without the sense of neat closure we might prefer. There's no "The End" here, because the story continues. What began with Jesus in Galilee now extends through his followers to "everywhere," and implicitly, includes us in its unfolding narrative.

As modern readers, we're invited to see ourselves in this ongoing story. Jesus still sits at God's right hand. He still works with those who faithfully proclaim his message. And the signs of God's kingdom breaking in still accompany genuine gospel witness.

RESPOND

Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.

• In what ways have you experienced Jesus "working with" you as you've served him?

• Mark ends his Gospel with the disciples in motion, carrying out their mission. What might be the next step in your participation in this ongoing story?

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:

Exalted Lord Jesus, I worship you as the one seated at God's right hand with all authority. Thank you for continuing to work with your people, including me. Help me to play my part faithfully in the ongoing story of your gospel spreading throughout the world. Amen.