Mark 16:14-20
14 Afterward, he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
It’s funny how Mark ends the gospel story with this conversation on the table where Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief. Jesus was going to ascend to heaven, and for one last time, he talked to them about their belief and their faith. It seems like Jesus was preparing them for a rough ride ahead. Their faith will be tested, and the walk won’t be easy.
And then Jesus gave them the great commission to go and make disciple of the nation. And in the version of Mark’s great commission, Jesus commissioned the disciples to go out and engage the world with the gospel with signs and wonders. I am excited to go out and make a difference!
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Mark ended the picture of Jesus, on the throne, sovereign. Isn’t that an excellent way to see Jesus. As we go and make disciples, we know that God is in control! We are on the winning team!
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]]