Mark 16 -- Not The End, But The Beginning

"Jesus Christ was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.  A dead Savior cannot save anybody.  The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is as much a part of the gospel message as His sacrificial death on the cross," my commentary began.

"The resurrection proves that Jesus Christ is what He claimed to be, the very Son of God."

"The emphasis of Mark 16:9-14 is on the unbelief of the disciples, who were mourning and weeping instead of rejoicing at the good news ... when He did appear, He reproached them for their unbelief, which was caused by their hardness of heart."

"The commission in Mark is probably a part of the Great Commission that Jesus gave on a mountain in Galilee ... The message is the gospel... The ministry is to share this message with the whole world ... The apostles were also given special signs that enforced their message.  Of themselves, miracles do not prove that a person has been sent by God, for the message must also be true to God's Word."

"Satan wants us to show off our faith and force God to perform unnecessary miracles.  Jesus refused to tempt God, and we should follow His example.  Yes, God cares for His children when, in His will, they are in dangerous places, but He is not obligated to care for us when we foolishly get out of His will.  We are called to live by faith, not by chance, and to trust God, not tempt Him."

"One of His heavenly ministries is that of enabling His people to do His will.  It is fitting that the gospel of the Servant should end with this reference to work ... By His Holy Spirit, the Lord wants to work in us, with us, and for us ... Are you serving or are you expecting others to serve you?", my commentary wrapped up the book.

Father, remind me often that, like Your Son, I am to be a servant and to serve others in Your name.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford