The Commission and Ascension: 16:14–20

Mark 16:14–20 (New International Version)

Verse 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."

Explanation: After His resurrection, Jesus appears to the Eleven disciples and confronts them about their doubts and disbelief in the testimonies of those who saw Him alive after His death.

Verse 15: "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'"

Explanation: Jesus commissions His disciples with a divine mandate to proclaim the gospel message to all people, encompassing the entire world and all of creation.

Verse 16: "Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

Explanation: Jesus establishes the condition for salvation, emphasising the importance of faith and baptism. Those who believe in Him and are baptised will be saved, while those who reject the gospel will face condemnation.

Verse 17: "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;"

Explanation: Jesus promises that miraculous signs will accompany the believers who faithfully carry out their mission. These signs include the ability to cast out demons and speak in unknown languages.

Verse 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.'"

Explanation: Jesus continues to describe the extraordinary signs that will follow those who believe in Him, such as immunity to harm from snakes and poisonous substances, as well as the power to heal the sick through laying on of hands.

Verse 19: "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God."

Explanation: The passage describes the ascension of Jesus into heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of God, signifying His exalted status and authority.

Verse 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."

Explanation: The Gospel of Mark concludes with the disciples fulfilling their commission, spreading the gospel message throughout the world, and witnessing the confirmation of Jesus' words through the signs and wonders that followed their ministry.

Varied Interpretations

• Messianic Authority: Some interpretations view Jesus' commission as a manifestation of His messianic authority and His role as the Saviour of all people. The commission emphasises the universality of the gospel and the invitation for all to believe and be saved.
• Signs and Miracles: The mention of signs and miracles in this passage has been variously interpreted. Some believe these signs were unique to the early apostolic period, serving to authenticate the message and authority of the apostles. Others see these signs as ongoing manifestations of God's power through the ministry of believers, even in the present day.

Relevance and Significance

• Global Mission: The commission given by Jesus to the disciples highlights the universal scope of the gospel message. It serves as a call for 21st-century Christians to actively engage in spreading the gospel to all people, across cultures and nations.
• Authority in Ministry: Jesus' words and actions in this passage underscore His authority and power over all things. This authority empowers believers to fulfil their calling as ministers of the gospel, confident that Christ works with them in their mission.
• Faith and Baptism: The emphasis on faith and baptism as prerequisites for salvation reminds Christians of the importance of personal faith in Jesus Christ and the sacrament of baptism as a visible sign of initiation into the Christian community.
• Continuing Mission: The ascension of Jesus, as mentioned in this passage, signifies His exalted position and ongoing presence with believers through the Holy Spirit. This reassures Christians of the continuous support and guidance of Christ as they carry out His mission.

Conclusion

The commission and ascension account in St. Mark's Gospel reaffirms the global mission of the Church, the authority of Jesus as the Saviour, and the importance of faith and baptism for salvation. Additionally, it highlights the ongoing partnership of Christ with Christians in their ministry, offering encouragement and assurance in their discipleship journey.