Bible Reading Challenge Day 42 He is Risen Indeed!

  

Mark Chapter 16 is the final chapter of the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This chapter covers the events following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, focusing on His resurrection, the reactions of His followers, and His instructions to them. The chapter is often noted for its varying endings in different manuscripts, which has been a subject of scholarly discussion.

The chapter begins with Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome buying spices to anoint Jesus' body. Upon arriving at the tomb early on the first day of the week, they find the stone rolled away. Inside the tomb, a young man dressed in a white robe, identified as an angel, tells them that Jesus has risen and instructs them to inform the disciples and Peter that He is going ahead of them to Galilee.

The women leave the tomb with mixed feelings of fear and joy. Initially, they say nothing to anyone because of their fear. This section marks the original ending of the Gospel according to the earliest manuscripts. However, longer endings are present in later manuscripts, which include additional appearances of Jesus.

In these extended endings, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, who then tells the disciples, but they do not believe her. Jesus also appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and later to the Eleven, rebuking them for their lack of faith and instructing them to spread the gospel to all creation. He states that believers will accompany signs like casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, and healing the sick. Finally, Jesus is taken up into heaven and sits at the right hand of God. The disciples go out to preach everywhere, with the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.

The variations in the endings of Mark 16 have led to discussions about which parts were original to the Gospel. Scholars and theologians debate the authenticity of the longer endings, but the central themes of resurrection, the instruction to spread the gospel, and the demonstration of faith through miraculous signs are consistent with the messages found in the other Gospels.