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).
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