SATURDAY, OCTAVE OF EASTER

I Reading: Acts 4:13-21: We cannot promise to stop proclaiming what we have seen and heard.

Mark 16:9-15: Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.

The Lord’s Great Commission, Mk 16: 14-20

This is was the first appearance of Jesus to all the disciples. It is important to keep in mind that it was Sunday evening, the same day Jesus had arisen from the dead. He had undergone an extremely busy day, encouraging those who had needed special attention and sending word of his resurrection to the disciples. They were hovered behind closed doors in fear of the Jews. Jesus needed to send word of His resurrection to them bit by bit so they would be prepared to see Him risen and in His resurrected body. The day includes the following appearances.

The appearance to Mary Magdalene (Mk 16:9-11)

The appearance to the women as they were going to tell the disciples (Mt 28:9)

The appearance to Peter, which probably was a long conference lasting for hours (Lk 24:34)

The appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Mk 16:12-13)

The appearance to the disciples mentioned in this passage (Mk 16:14). This appearance is discussed more fully in Lk 24:36f; Jn 20:19f.

Mark stresses the Great Commission in this passage at the close of His gospel. The great commission is the whole focus of his attention.

1.     The two hindrances to the Great Commission (v.14)

a.     Unbelief

b.    Stubborn refusal to leave

2.     The Great Commission: Go-Preach (v.15)

a.     What: The Gospel

b.    Where: All the world

3.     The reason for the Great Commission (v.16)

a.     Saved: if believed and baptised

b.    Condemned: if disbelieve

4.     The promise to the believer as he carries out the Great Commission(great task): Power over sin & death-forgiveness & life (v.17-18)

5.     The confirmation of the Great commission (v. 19-20)

a.     The Lord’s ascension to the position of power

b.    The Lord’s working through the disciples’ ministry

Thought: The Lord worked with His disciples and confirmed His Word by the signs (Acts 4:33).