Mark 16:1-8 A Hair-raising "He Is Risen!"
About Mark: The earliest versions of Mark's Gospel conclude as we have, at vs.8, the day the resurrection is discovered in Jerusalem. The other three Gospels, and other endings later attached to Mark, take the story onwards to other events, both in Jerusalem and Galilee (see 7) in the seven weeks leading up to Pentecost.
But Mark's account as it stands, is characterised by the immediacy of the discovery experience. Immediacy is a device Mark has used at the beginning of his story to convey the unexpected and to bridge transitions. The explanation below shows why Mark ended as he did. But we can also understand why it appeared to be an abrupt and possibly interrupted ending, prompting others to add an epilogue which later became assimilated into copies.
Some would not understand Mark's intention of concluding the story with the women apparently speechless and afraid. Thus, at least three conclusions are found in ancient documents, and these are usually all noted in modern translations. None of them, however, bear evidence of being from Mark's pen or consistent with his writing throughout the Gospel. So we end the Gospel also, as I believe he intended to.
Bible: Mark 16:1-8, The Resurrection of Jesus
Comment: A HAIR-RAISING "HE IS RISEN"
The women expected to anoint a body with the ointments they bought. They talked about needing help with the stone seen rolled into place (15:46). When they reached the tomb, at first they were alarmed at what they saw (5), then utterly shocked.
Details of the message for Peter are remembered, but Mark's phrases describe reactions piled one upon another; flight, terror, amazement, and stunned speechlessness (8). It is frequently said that Mark could not have ended his Gospel as negatively as "for they were afraid." And the women's reactions are often criticised as muddle-headed.
But this is how Mark throughout has described people who know they are in circumstances in the realm of God and quite beyond human control (see Mark 4:41 & 9:6). This is how Peter, James, and John reacted at the transfiguration - the event which Mark used earlier to foreshadow the resurrection. Thus Mark conveys its impact upon the women. God has stunningly acted in human history. And they are stunned speechless by what God had done!
Yet the meaning of the event is perfectly clearly stated. "You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here!" Thus ends Mark's Gospel, and launches God's gospel into the world. Praise God!
Discipleship today: Familiarity with claims of Christ's resurrection perhaps blunts its
People are welcomed into membership of the St James upon ….
• A profession of faith in Jesus Christ, usually expressed through Christian baptism (various forms are practised at St James). Baptism occurs only once. It is the act of entry into the universal Christian community. For people previously baptised, personal faith in Christ may be affirmed in various ways. Some people simply wish to acknowledge their faith, others may choose a traditional confirmation of faith. Sometimes people find a renewal of baptism, including immersion or sprinkling with water, is a meaningful way of expressing new faith.
• Affirming adherence to the Fundamentals of the Christian faith.
• Acknowledging God’s call to be active, as able, in the worship, growth, giving, support, and mission of the St James Christian community.
Please contact the minister if you wish to become a member of St James Church, or desire to discuss other matters about Christian faith and discipleship.
1 When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 They had been saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5 As 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 of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you." 8 So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Comment: A HAIR-RAISING "HE IS RISEN"
Details of the message for Peter are remembered, but Mark's phrases describe reactions piled one upon another; flight, terror, amazement, and stunned speechlessness (8). It is frequently said that Mark could not have ended his Gospel as negatively as "for they were afraid." And the women's reactions are often criticised as muddle-headed.
But this is how Mark throughout has described people who know they are in circumstances in the realm of God and quite beyond human control (see Mark 4:41 & 9:6). This is how Peter, James, and John reacted at the transfiguration - the event which Mark used earlier to foreshadow the resurrection. Thus Mark conveys its impact upon the women. God has stunningly acted in human history. And they are stunned speechless by what God had done!
Yet the meaning of the event is perfectly clearly stated. "You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here!" Thus ends Mark's Gospel, and launches God's gospel into the world. Praise God!
Discipleship today: Familiarity with claims of Christ's resurrection perhaps blunts its
People are welcomed into membership of the St James upon ….
• A profession of faith in Jesus Christ, usually expressed through Christian baptism (various forms are practised at St James). Baptism occurs only once. It is the act of entry into the universal Christian community. For people previously baptised, personal faith in Christ may be affirmed in various ways. Some people simply wish to acknowledge their faith, others may choose a traditional confirmation of faith. Sometimes people find a renewal of baptism, including immersion or sprinkling with water, is a meaningful way of expressing new faith.
• Affirming adherence to the Fundamentals of the Christian faith.
• Acknowledging God’s call to be active, as able, in the worship, growth, giving, support, and mission of the St James Christian community.
Please contact the minister if you wish to become a member of St James Church, or desire to discuss other matters about Christian faith and discipleship.
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