Jesus Lives! Mark 16:9-20

Text: “…Fear not; I am the first and the last; I am He (Jesus) that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore.  Amen; and have the keys of Hell and of Death.”

Revelation 1:17-18.

Good morning, confident Christian!  You are confident in your fully persuaded faith in Christ Jesus, because you are totally convinced that you serve not a dead saint; nor a long-venerated leader who has led a ‘good’ life then died and went the way of all mankind.  No!  You are a confident Christian believer because you serve a Living Lord Jesus Christ, who “...ever liveth to make intercession...” for us. Hallelujah! What a Living Saviour!  (Hebrews 7:24-28)

There has been much said concerning the last verses of Mark’s Gospel since the days they were penned by John Mark.  Two of the oldest 4th Century manuscripts, and erroneously thought by many to be ‘the best records’ - the Vaticanus and the Sinaiticus - stop at verse eight of Mark sixteen.  Our full confidence is placed in the Textus Receptus Greek manuscripts.

The vast majority of more reliable manuscripts - from the 5th Century to the Middle Ages - include verses nine to twenty, as our 1611 King James Version Bibles do.

“Conclusion: There is no question that at some point in the early history of copying and transcribing the text of Mark an issue arose regarding Mark16:9-20 and its inclusion in the text (doubt engendered by unbelieving 19^th Century modernist translators, Westcott and Hort). This influenced modern copies and translations which came after it. Even so, Irenaeus quotes the text little more than a generation after the close of the New Testament canon, claiming that it was “at the end of the Gospel.” This together with the overwhelming evidence of manuscripts, translations, and ancient testimony leaves no doubt that these words were in the original text of Mark as inspired by the Holy Spirit   (2 Timothy 3:16). (Ancient Roads Publications Online: “Is Mark 16-20 inspired?”)

However, whether one accepts or doubts the omission of these verses or their inclusion, one can never doubt the Eternal truth each section of the end verses of the Gospel of Mark clearly teaches: the fact that after the cruel Crucifixion of our Saviour, He arose from the dead, and now lives forevermore.  Praise God for this Bible truth! We serve a risen Lord Jesus, and that’s what makes the difference (Mark 16:14) (Mark 16:6).

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (God-breathed), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man/woman of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Have you got days when unbelief threatens to cast you into despair?  Have you got nights of doubt when the host of Hell assail your soul with the horrors of unbelief, depressions, and dread?  Well, beloved Christian, join the club!  There has never been a genuine believer who has not been plagued with these same fears and doubts, no one escapes the attentions of Satan, the ‘Father of lies’, fears, and doubts.  However, take heart!  The Devil only attacks true Christian believers with such soul-saddening afflictions.  Take his evil attacks as a further tangible proof that you are indeed a saved soul through the Cross of full Atonement Victory of King Jesus Christ.   Jesus Lives!  Praise the Lord!  (Romans 8:28-39)

Look now at the response of the Disciples themselves to the message of Mary Magdalene, when she imparted the good news that the Lord Jesus was alive.  Did they do cartwheels through old Jerusalem?  Did they shout it from the rooftops of the city to all that would lend an ear to hear?  No!  They did what many of us do when such startling good news arrives at our door.  The refused to believe it!  (Mark 16:11;14)

Rhoda attended the prayer meeting to pray for the deliverance of Peter from the Prison House.  But when he was delivered, the whole gathering, including herself, were astonished that God had heard and answered their fervent prayers!  Are we any different today?  (Acts 12:12-17)

Yet, look at the Master’s response to His Disciple’s fallibility’s.  Did the Lord refuse to use them ever again in His service?  Never!  The Lord "...upbraided them..." for their unbelief, but then refreshed, renewed, and empowered them to, "...Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature."  And, praise God, they did!  (Mark 16:15;20)

Have you let down your guard and failed the Lord in some way?  Are you presently feeling dejected over some vulnerability in your character and actions?  Do you feel you are at the end of your strength and unable to go forth ever again do Spiritual battle in the service of King Jesus?  Well, take heart, dear friend, we have ALL been right where you are in our long walk with the Lord Jesus, and by God’s grace, are still serving the risen Lord in His strength. (Zechariah 4:6) (Acts 1:8)

Show me the Christian who has never utterly failed in some manner, in some venture, in some aspect of his/her walk with God, and I will show you the Christian who has never tried to seriously serve Christ Jesus.  God’s Word is true: “...there is no difference: for ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  Amen?  (Romans 3:10;22-23)

Now, let’s get things in perspective at the close of another series of Bible Expositions from the Gospel of Mark.  Keep this Eternal truth to the fore of our minds as we continue on, ever onward and upward, in Christ’s service:  Jesus Lives!  And because He lives, we can face every hurdle, every attack of the world, the flesh, or the Devil.  We have the Ultimate Victory in Christ Jesus’ Ultimate Victory at the Cross of Calvary.  “It is finished!” Hallelujah!

Thought:  Jesus Lives!  We serve a risen Lord God of endless Sovereign Grace. Glory, ALL glory, unto His Holy and Victorious Name.  Amen!

© Dr C.K. McClinton, Ulster Christians, www.ulsterchristians.org

Special thanks to the evangelical writings of the late J.C. Ryle, first Bishop of Liverpool, (10^th May 1816 – 10 June 1900) (J.C. Ryle’s Exposition of Mark’s Gospel)