The Commissioning in Mark
In an earlier lesson, we looked at the great commission as presented in Matthew 28:18-20. Read those texts again; review the highlights, particularly the commands and the promises. Ask yourself, when done: "What role am I playing in the fulfillment of these words?"
Read Mark 16:14-20 and compare it with Matthew 28:18-20. What elements are found in one and not the other?
After you have noted the differences, read both accounts again. There is an unmistakable harmony between them. The basic message is the same.
What is Jesus' message to us, as found in both these accounts?
In both accounts we are told that there was some doubt (Matt. 28:17), some hardness of heart, on the part of the disciples. In Mark's account, Jesus upbraided them for this doubt, even though the Greek verb there can be translated into stronger language, such as "reproached," "denounced," or even "insulted." The point was that even after all this time, even after all these things, some among them still struggled with faith. Jesus had to deal firmly with them.
Notice, too, that only after Jesus dealt with their hardness of heart did He give them their commission. Jesus knew that for them to succeed, they needed to be strong in faith. His physical presence would soon be gone from them, for He was to be "received up into heaven" (Mark 16:19). Anything they were to do for Him from then on would have to be done by faith alone.
Though faith is a gift, it is a gift that needs to be cultivated. What things can you do on a daily basis to nurture, protect, and strengthen your faith?
No comments:
Post a Comment