As a missions pastor, naturally I am always willing to speak about the Great Commission. So, when Billy asked me to finish up our series in the book of Mark by preaching the Great Commission, it was kind of a no-brainer…at least until I started really working on it.
In my head, the Great Commission was a natural follow-up to the resurrection: Jesus is alive, our sins are forgiven, he is victorious—therefore, we should go tell everyone! However, unlike Matthew’s gospel, Mark doesn’t really end with Jesus’ words to his disciples. In fact, Mark’s gospel doesn’t include any of the things we would expect after the resurrection: no appearances of the risen Christ, no Great Commission, no ascension. The earliest manuscripts of the gospel of Mark end abruptly at verse 8 of chapter 16.
8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb.
They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
Wait, what? I know Mark’s style was terse, but this is extreme even for him. Why would he end his account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection with some terrified women keeping quiet about the greatest news of all time?
This Sunday, we are going to review the structure and purpose of Mark’s gospel, and how it might give us some clues to why he would end his gospel in this way. And, of course, how the Great Commission still speaks in this enigmatic ending.
I hope you’ll join us!