Mark 16: The Resurrection

The Resurrection
(Matthew 28:1–10; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–9)

1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint the body of Jesus. 2 Very early on the first day of the week,a just after sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3 They were asking one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, even though it was extremely large.

5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here! See the place where they put Him. 7 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.’”

8 So the women left the tomb and ran away, trembling and bewildered. And in their fear they did not say a word to anyone.b

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
(John 20:10–18)

9 Early on the first day of the week, after Jesus had risen,c He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had driven out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, who were mourning and weeping. 11 And when they heard that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they did not believe it.

Jesus Appears to Two Disciples
(Luke 24:13–35)

12 After this, Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them as they walked along in the country.

13 And they went back and reported it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.

The Great Commission
(Matthew 28:16–20)

14 Later, as they were eating, Jesus appeared to the Eleven and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;d 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”

The Ascension
(Luke 24:50–53; Acts 1:6–11)

19 After the Lord Jesuse had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

20 And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.

Mark 16 Summary

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Paul’s summary of the gospel, emphasizing the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Matthew 28:18-20
The Great Commission, paralleling Mark’s account and highlighting the authority of Jesus.

Acts 1:8
The promise of the Holy Spirit empowering believers to be witnesses, connecting to the signs mentioned in Mark 16.

Romans 6:4
The symbolism of baptism as a participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Empty Tomb
Mark 16:1-4 describes how Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome found the stone rolled away from the tomb. This signifies the power of God to overcome death and the grave.

The Angelic Message
In verses 5-7, an angel announces to the women that Jesus has risen. This message is central to the Christian faith, affirming that Jesus is alive and victorious over sin and death.

The Great Commission
Mark 16:15-16 records Jesus' command to Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. This underscores the responsibility of believers to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Signs and Wonders
Verses 17-18 mention signs that will accompany believers, such as casting out demons and healing the sick. These signs confirm the power and presence of God working through His people.

The Ascension
Mark 16:19-20 concludes with Jesus' ascension into heaven and the disciples' obedience in preaching the gospel, demonstrating the continuation of Jesus' mission through His followers. Embrace the Resurrection
Live with the assurance that Jesus is alive and active in your life, bringing hope and transformation.

Share the Gospel
Take seriously the call to evangelize, understanding that the resurrection is the foundation of the message we share.

Expect God’s Power
Be open to the miraculous and the supernatural as you serve God, trusting that He will confirm His word through signs and wonders.

Live with Purpose
Recognize that Jesus' ascension means He reigns as Lord, and we are called to live under His authority and guidance. 1. Mary Magdalene
Description: Mary Magdalene is the first person mentioned in Mark 16:1. She is one of the women who went to the tomb of Jesus to anoint His body with spices. In Mark 16:9, she is also noted as the first person to whom the risen Jesus appeared. The Greek name "Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνή" (Maria hē Magdalēnē) indicates her origin from Magdala.

2. Mary, the mother of James
Description: This Mary is another woman who went to the tomb with Mary Magdalene. She is identified as the mother of James, one of Jesus' disciples. Her presence is noted in Mark 16:1. The Greek text refers to her as "Μαρία ἡ τοῦ Ἰακώβου" (Maria hē tou Iakōbou).

3. Salome
Description: Salome is the third woman who accompanied Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, to the tomb. Her presence is also mentioned in Mark 16:1. The Greek name "Σαλώμη" (Salōmē) is used.

4. Jesus
Description: Jesus is the central figure of Mark 16, having been crucified, buried, and risen from the dead. He appears to Mary Magdalene and later to the disciples. The Greek name "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous) is used throughout the New Testament.

5. The Eleven Disciples
Description: The eleven remaining disciples of Jesus are mentioned in Mark 16:14, where Jesus appears to them after His resurrection. The term "οἱ ἕνδεκα" (hoi hendeka) is used in Greek, referring to the group after Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death.

6. Two Disciples on the Road
Description: In Mark 16:12, Jesus appears in a different form to two disciples as they are walking in the country. These disciples are not named in this passage, but their encounter is significant as part of the post-resurrection appearances. 1. Tomb
The tomb is where Jesus was laid after His crucifixion. In Mark 16:2, it is described as the place where the women went to anoint Jesus' body. The Greek term used here is "mnēmeion" (μνημεῖον), which refers to a grave or sepulcher.

2. Galilee
In Mark 16:7, the angel instructs the women to tell the disciples that Jesus is going ahead of them to Galilee. Galilee is a region in northern Israel, significant as the area where Jesus conducted much of His ministry. The Greek term "Galilaia" (Γαλιλαία) is used, referring to this geographical region. 1. The Women Visit the Tomb (Mark 16:1-2)
After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bring spices to anoint Jesus' body. They arrive at the tomb early in the morning on the first day of the week.

2. The Stone is Rolled Away (Mark 16:3-4)
The women wonder who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb. Upon arrival, they find that the stone, which was very large, has already been rolled away.

3. The Angelic Announcement (Mark 16:5-6)
Entering the tomb, the women see a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they are alarmed. He tells them not to be afraid and announces that Jesus, who was crucified, has risen and is not there.

4. The Instruction to the Disciples (Mark 16:7)
The angel instructs the women to go and tell Jesus' disciples and Peter that He is going ahead of them into Galilee, where they will see Him, just as He told them.

5. The Women's Reaction (Mark 16:8)
Trembling and bewildered, the women flee from the tomb and say nothing to anyone because they are afraid.

6. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11)
Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She goes and tells those who had been with Him, who are mourning and weeping, but they do not believe her.

7. Jesus Appears to Two Disciples (Mark 16:12-13)
Jesus appears in a different form to two disciples as they walk in the country. They return and report it to the rest, but they do not believe them either.

8. The Great Commission (Mark 16:14-18)
Jesus appears to the Eleven as they are eating and rebukes them for their unbelief and hardness of heart. He commissions them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation, promising signs that will accompany those who believe.

9. The Ascension of Jesus (Mark 16:19)
After speaking to them, Jesus is taken up into heaven and sits at the right hand of God.

10. The Disciples' Ministry (Mark 16:20)
The disciples go out and preach everywhere, with the Lord working through them and confirming His word by the signs that accompany it.

1. The Power of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, and Mark 16 opens with this miraculous event. The women who went to the tomb found it empty, and an angel declared, "He has risen! He is not here" (Mark 16:6). This moment is a powerful reminder that Jesus conquered death, offering us eternal life. The resurrection is not just a historical event; it is the foundation of our hope and the assurance of our salvation.

2. Faith Over Fear
When the women discovered the empty tomb, they were initially afraid. Yet, the angel encouraged them, saying, "Do not be alarmed" (Mark 16:6). This teaches us to choose faith over fear. In our daily lives, we may face uncertainties and challenges, but we can trust in God's promises and His power to overcome any obstacle.

3. The Importance of Witnessing
The angel instructed the women to "go, tell His disciples" (Mark 16:7). This highlights the importance of sharing the Good News. As believers, we are called to be witnesses of Christ's resurrection and His transformative power in our lives. Sharing our faith is not just a duty; it is a privilege that can bring hope and salvation to others.

4. Jesus Meets Us in Our Doubts
When Jesus appeared to the disciples, He rebuked them for their unbelief (Mark 16:14). Yet, He did not abandon them. Instead, He met them in their doubts and strengthened their faith. This reassures us that even when we struggle with doubt, Jesus is patient and willing to guide us back to faith.

5. The Great Commission
Jesus commanded His followers, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). This is our mission as Christians. We are called to spread the message of salvation to all corners of the earth, reaching out with love and compassion to those who have not yet heard the Good News.

6. Signs of Belief
Jesus promised that signs would accompany those who believe: "In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues" (Mark 16:17). These signs are not just miraculous acts; they are evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. As we grow in faith, we can expect to see God's power manifest in and through us.

7. The Assurance of Salvation
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16). This verse assures us that salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus and follow Him. Baptism is an outward expression of our inward faith, symbolizing our new life in Christ. It is a beautiful reminder of the grace and mercy we receive through Him.

8. The Ascension of Christ
Mark 16 concludes with Jesus being "taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God" (Mark 16:19). The ascension signifies Jesus' authority and His ongoing intercession for us. Knowing that our Savior reigns in heaven gives us confidence and peace, knowing He is in control of all things.

9. The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
The disciples "went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them" (Mark 16:20). This demonstrates the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in their ministry. As believers, we are not alone in our mission. The Holy Spirit equips and empowers us to fulfill God's purposes, providing strength and guidance every step of the way.

10. The Call to Action
Mark 16 is a call to action for every believer. It challenges us to live out our faith boldly, share the Gospel with others, and trust in the power of the resurrection. As we embrace these lessons, we can experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers and make a lasting impact in the world for His glory.

1. The Resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16:1-8)
This section describes the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. They find the stone rolled away and encounter a young man in a white robe who tells them that Jesus has risen. The Greek word for "risen" (ἐγήγερται, egēgertai) emphasizes the divine action of God raising Jesus from the dead.

2. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11)
Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. Despite her testimony, the disciples do not believe her. This highlights the theme of initial disbelief among the followers of Jesus.

3. Jesus Appears to Two Disciples (Mark 16:12-13)
Jesus appears in a different form to two disciples walking in the country. They report back to the others, but again, they are not believed. This reflects the struggle to comprehend the resurrection.

4. The Great Commission (Mark 16:14-18)
Jesus appears to the eleven disciples and rebukes them for their unbelief. He commissions them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. The Greek term for "preach" (κηρύξατε, kēryxate) implies a public proclamation of the gospel message.

5. The Ascension of Jesus (Mark 16:19-20)
Jesus is taken up into heaven and sits at the right hand of God. The disciples go out and preach everywhere, with the Lord working through them and confirming the message with accompanying signs. The ascension signifies Jesus' exaltation and authority. 1. The Resurrection of Jesus
Mark 16:1-6 describes the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. The angelic announcement, "He has risen! He is not here," (Mark 16:6) emphasizes the foundational Christian belief in the resurrection. The Greek term "ἠγέρθη" (ēgerthē) underscores the divine action of being raised from the dead.

2. The Commission to Spread the Gospel
In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands His disciples, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." This theme highlights the Great Commission, emphasizing the responsibility of believers to evangelize. The Greek word "κηρύξατε" (kēryxate) means to proclaim or herald, indicating the authoritative nature of this mission.

3. Faith and Salvation
Mark 16:16 states, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." This theme underscores the importance of faith and baptism in the process of salvation. The Greek word "πιστεύσας" (pisteusas) for "believes" indicates a trust or reliance on Jesus for salvation.

4. Signs and Miracles
Verses 17-18 describe the signs that will accompany believers, such as casting out demons and healing the sick. This theme reflects the continuation of Jesus' miraculous work through His followers. The Greek term "σημεῖα" (sēmeia) for "signs" suggests these acts serve as divine authentication of the gospel message.

5. The Ascension of Jesus
Mark 16:19 records Jesus' ascension into heaven, where He "sat down at the right hand of God." This theme affirms Jesus' exaltation and authority. The Greek phrase "ἐκάθισεν ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ" (ekathisen ek dexiōn tou Theou) signifies a position of honor and power.

6. The Disciples' Obedience and Proclamation
The chapter concludes with the disciples going out to preach everywhere, as described in Mark 16:20. This theme highlights their obedience to Jesus' command and the effective spread of the gospel. The Greek word "ἐκήρυξαν" (ekēryxan) for "preached" again emphasizes the act of proclaiming the message of Christ. Thanksgiving for the Resurrection
Praise God for the victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ.

Boldness in Evangelism
Pray for courage and opportunities to share the gospel with others.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
Ask for the Holy Spirit’s power to live out the Christian life and to witness effectively.

Faith in God’s Promises
Seek to trust in God’s promises and expect His miraculous work in and through your life.

As we reflect on Mark 16, let us be inspired by the resurrection of Jesus to live boldly and purposefully, sharing the hope we have with a world in need.

1. In Mark 16:9–20, why do some manuscripts omit these verses, and what does that imply about their authenticity?

2. How do the miraculous signs in Mark 16:17–18 (like snake handling and drinking poison) stand up to modern scientific understanding?

3. Why does Mark 16:1–8 abruptly end without mentioning the appearances of the risen Jesus found in other Gospels?

4. Could the contradictory accounts of the resurrection in Mark 16:14–18 versus other Gospel narratives indicate historical inconsistencies?

5. If Mark 16:9–20 was added later, how does that affect the reliability of the Gospel’s message?

1. What can we learn from the reactions of the women at the tomb about dealing with unexpected life situations?

2. Why do you think the angel specifically mentioned Peter when instructing the women?

3. How do the disciples' initial reactions to the resurrection news speak to the struggle between doubt and faith?

4. How does Jesus' first appearance to Mary Magdalene underline His care for those who are often marginalized in society?

5. What can the disciples’ disbelief upon hearing of Jesus’ resurrection teach us about the nature of faith?

6. What is the significance of Jesus appearing in different forms after His resurrection?

7. How can we interpret the Great Commission in today’s context?

8. What do the signs promised by Jesus in His commission mean for believers today?

9. How does the Ascension of Jesus broaden our understanding of His lordship and authority?

10. How does the disciples' obedience to Jesus' commission challenge us in our Christian mission?

11. How can we embrace and communicate the joy and hope of the Resurrection in our daily lives?

12. How does the notion of Jesus appearing in different forms challenge our understanding of His presence?

13. What does the repeated disbelief of the disciples teach us about human skepticism and faith?

14. In what ways does Jesus' rebuke of the disciples' unbelief speak to our own moments of doubt?

15. How can Jesus' promise of signs accompanying the belief help us recognize His work in our lives?

16. What is the significance of Jesus sitting at the right hand of God after His ascension?

17. How can the disciples’ transformation from disbelief to active preachers inspire our spiritual journey?

18. In the light of the Great Commission, how can we witness effectively to non-believers?

19. What can we learn from the disciples' journey of fear, doubt, belief, and mission?

20. How does Mark 16 inspire us to embrace and share the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection in our own lives?