Scripture: Mark 16:9-20 (NIV)
9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.
10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping.
11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.
12 Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country.
13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.
14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all 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 drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.
20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Devotion:
As we continue to reflect on the significance of Easter, let us delve into the concluding verses of Mark’s Gospel, where Jesus issues a profound call to proclaim the gospel and believe in His resurrection power.
1. The Testimony of Resurrection: Mary Magdalene, a witness to Jesus’ resurrection, fervently shared the news with those who had been mourning His death. Despite her earnest proclamation, they struggled to believe that Jesus had truly risen. Similarly, Easter beckons us to bear witness to the reality of Christ’s resurrection, sharing the transformative power of His victory over sin and death with others.
2. The Call to Believe: Jesus appeared to His disciples, rebuking them for their lack of faith and their refusal to believe the testimonies of those who had seen Him alive. The disciples’ initial skepticism serves as a poignant reminder of our own tendency to doubt the miraculous work of God in our lives. Easter invites us to embrace a steadfast faith in the resurrection, believing that nothing is impossible with God.
3. The Great Commission: Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commissioned His disciples to preach the gospel to all creation. This divine mandate underscores the universal scope of the gospel message and our responsibility to share it with the world. Easter reminds us that the resurrection is not merely a historical event but a living reality that demands a response of faith and proclamation.
4. The Promise of Salvation: Jesus proclaimed that whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, emphasizing the essential role of faith in receiving the gift of salvation. The resurrection assures us of the hope of eternal life in Christ, offered freely to all who place their trust in Him. Let us embrace this promise with unwavering confidence, knowing that our salvation is secured by the victory of Easter.
5. Empowered for Ministry: Jesus assured His disciples that signs and wonders would accompany those who believe in His name. This divine empowerment equips believers to fulfill the Great Commission with boldness and authority. As we step out in faith to proclaim the gospel, may we rely on the Holy Spirit to work through us, confirming His word with miraculous signs and transforming lives.
As we contemplate the profound implications of Easter, let us respond to Jesus’ call with fervent obedience and unwavering faith. May we boldly proclaim the good news of His resurrection, believing that He is with us always, empowering us to fulfill His mission to the ends of the earth. Amen.
