Word@Work 211 - Mark 16:8
Published: Wed, 09/17/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 16:8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. (NIV)
Today's verse is the strange anticlimax of Mark's Gospel. Many scholars consider that this is the last verse Mark wrote personally; as most of the early copies of the book end here. If that is so, why does Mark leave us in suspense, instead of soothing our minds with a 'happy ending'? Like every good novel (except Mark is definitely non-fiction!), this keeps the tension up to the end and beyond it. It is designed to make the readers ask themselves the key question, "Who is this Jesus?".
All the women had to hang onto, was the word of the angel recalling the words of Jesus. Yet fear still gripped them, and the inner surges of adrenaline drove them senseless from the tomb. But it should not have been like that! They should have responded in grateful amazement and been filled with joy. "Why can't they see that this is the happy ending?", we ask as the pages turn. And the careful reader will have come to the conclusion that eluded the women at that time - that Jesus had risen from the dead and was alive - His word was fulfilled; and could be trusted by all who would believe it.
The same story comes just as fresh to us after 2000 years. The straightforward narrative of this Gospel should make us rethink who Jesus is. Those who see that his Word is always matched by His actions will want to put their trust in Him and not run away scared. Is that you? If so, you are ideally placed to challenge your colleagues to read the Gospel with the question, "Who do you think Jesus is?" If you are still wavering, why not ask the living Jesus to help you understand what Mark is saying in this book?
Prayer: Dear Lord. I know that however many signs and miracles I might see, in the end we all have to either take Jesus at His Word and be saved; or not and be lost from His Kingdom. Help me to trust Your word and put my faith in what you say and who You are ...and share the Gospel that has been written for the world. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Today's verse is the strange anticlimax of Mark's Gospel. Many scholars consider that this is the last verse Mark wrote personally; as most of the early copies of the book end here. If that is so, why does Mark leave us in suspense, instead of soothing our minds with a 'happy ending'? Like every good novel (except Mark is definitely non-fiction!), this keeps the tension up to the end and beyond it. It is designed to make the readers ask themselves the key question, "Who is this Jesus?".
All the women had to hang onto, was the word of the angel recalling the words of Jesus. Yet fear still gripped them, and the inner surges of adrenaline drove them senseless from the tomb. But it should not have been like that! They should have responded in grateful amazement and been filled with joy. "Why can't they see that this is the happy ending?", we ask as the pages turn. And the careful reader will have come to the conclusion that eluded the women at that time - that Jesus had risen from the dead and was alive - His word was fulfilled; and could be trusted by all who would believe it.
The same story comes just as fresh to us after 2000 years. The straightforward narrative of this Gospel should make us rethink who Jesus is. Those who see that his Word is always matched by His actions will want to put their trust in Him and not run away scared. Is that you? If so, you are ideally placed to challenge your colleagues to read the Gospel with the question, "Who do you think Jesus is?" If you are still wavering, why not ask the living Jesus to help you understand what Mark is saying in this book?
Prayer: Dear Lord. I know that however many signs and miracles I might see, in the end we all have to either take Jesus at His Word and be saved; or not and be lost from His Kingdom. Help me to trust Your word and put my faith in what you say and who You are ...and share the Gospel that has been written for the world. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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