It is interesting to reflect on what Mark chooses to highlight in this fairly short summary of the events that took place after Yeshua rose from the dead. Yeshua reproaches His disciples for their unbelief. So often we overlook this in the gospels. Thomas is often called “the doubter” because of his not being present the first time Yeshua appeared to the disciples and he doubted when they told him. However, here we are reminded that the disciples broadly all doubted the women who came to them after first witnessing the resurrection. Before we judge them too harshly, let us spend time in self reflection in regards to how often we waiver in the strength of our faith. Avoid the prideful assumption that “I would certainly have believed”. Recognize we have the benefit of reading about it all afterwards. See around you how many people still do not believe.

Then Yeshua sends out His disciples to go forth and preach the gospel throughout the world.

Mark 16:14-20

The Disciples Commissioned

      14Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16“He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. 17“These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; 18they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

      19So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.]
[And they promptly reported all these instructions to Peter and his companions. And after that, Jesus Himself sent out through them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.]

Let us not forget that “disciple” means “learner”. If we are to be disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to continue learning to be more like Him… to obey Him more fully. Jesus had two main messages in this scripture. First, remain strong in our faith and know that He is Lord of all. Second, go forth and preach the gospel everywhere.

We should pray for the Father’s help to do both of these things and do them well and consistently.

I invite You to pray with me:

Father, thank You for Yeshua dying and rising from the dead on our behalf. It gives me great hope in forgiveness to be reconciled with You despite my sin. Help me (and all Your people) to remain strong in our faith and go forth and share the gospel with others joyfully. Amen.

A few closing thoughts:

• Select the link to learn more about The Great Commission – Make Disciples of All the Nations
• Verses 17-18 are intriguing. We are left to explore separate from this article how broadly these verses apply for those who believe. It does not seem to apply to everyone who believes. Was it just for that period in time of the early church? Was it just that these signs would be seen among those who believe?

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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