The Gospel That Has No End
They went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid. Mark 16:8 (CSB)
“The resurrection does not magically dispel fear and cowardice, transforming fallible human characters into faithful disciples. Faithful discipleship consists of following Jesus, not contemplating doing so; acting courageously on his behalf, not standing on the sidelines and watching.” -James R. Edwards
Mark’s Gospel has been a rewarding study. I have so enjoyed the time spent together in working through this book (and don’t worry we will get back to 11:27-15:47 in another sermon series). On the Journey with Jesus has been our organizing theme and I can’t imagine a better way to conclude; at least for the time being. Mark’s ending is so abrupt and purposeful. To me, it seems he intentionally leaves the Gospel without end because, he understands it to be so. The Gospel doesn’t end with the Resurrection, it begins there. The Gospel does not end with an empty tomb, it is born there. The Good News about Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God never ends. It is eternally good news. The life-giving, transforming power of the Son of God continues to give life and transform lives, right up to the present moment. It will do so until time itself ends. One of the great temptations of our day, amidst all the discouraging news and sad trends inside and outside the church is to believe that the Gospel itself is in distress. Maybe this Good News cannot withstand (insert cultural or church trend or reality)? The answer to that question is always no. For the Gospel does not depend on men and women. The Gospel depends fully on God. One of the commentators on Mark 16 points out that the role of the women as witnesses reinforces this point. They are not there because the Resurrection has happened. They are not the cause of the Resurrection. They do not believe there is a Resurrection on the way. It isn’t about their faith or devotion or obedience. They are there simply as witnesses. And as Mark portrays them, even as witnesses, it is not their strength that is brought forward. They are weak and failing right to the end. But, the Gospel goes on. The power of God unto salvation is more powerful than human failings. It does not need (PRIASE GOD!) our perfect obedience to rescue others. If we will continue our journey with Jesus, if we will obediently follow Him, the Gospel doesn’t end with us. It will transform others. It will bear fruit. Not because I say so or because it sounds inspiring, but because it is so. Because, for almost 2,000 years now someone told someone who told someone and their life and eternity changed. So fellow believer in the good news that “He is risen!” keep on the journey with Jesus. Keep laying down your life to follow Him. Keep carrying your cross. Good soil bears much fruit for the Kingdom. Don’t be discouraged that fruit bearing takes time. Trust the ways of the Kingdom. Trust the ways of the King. Journey on with Jesus. And on. And on. And on. For the Gospel never ends.
Blog Bonus: It was so rewarding to be a part of our Good Friday service this year! I had the privilege of writing the ‘script’ for our time together. One part of that which I choose to edit due to length was Peter’s part during the trial. Here it is as a ‘bonus feature’ for your enjoyment and contemplation (source material is Mark 14:66-72).
While all of this goes on, another sort of trial is unfolding. Peter, having followed His Rabbi at a distance, hangs out at the fringes of the crowd that has gathered outside in the courtyard. He is in need of warmth and hopeful that the fire’s glow will take the chill off. But then, fire is illuminating. It shows people who we really are. And sure enough, not much time passes and a servant girl of the high priest recognizes him as a follower of Jesus. What now? A cold sweat breaks out across Peter’s skin. He can read a room, or in this case, a courtyard. He recoils as if struck by a blow. And what comes next fills him with shame- he denies his connection to Jesus. He backs away further from the fire’s revealing light. Positioning himself by the gate, he is ready for an exit if that becomes necessary. But then, she saw him again- the same servant girl from earlier. And she said it again- this time not to Peter but to those around him- this fellow is one of them- a follower of Jesus. He again lost his nerve. He denied it. I am not a follower of Jesus, you all have it wrong. But, as the smoke hangs low around a fire on a calm and thick night, those around Peter hung on to their doubts. They got him chatting, and sure enough his accent is Galilean. How could he not be a follower of Jesus? I mean what are the odds that a Galilean who looks like one of the closest followers of Jesus is randomly in the courtyard of the place where Jesus is being tried by the Sanhedrin? Pointing this out to Peter does nothing more than agitate him to the point of anger. Anger and shame drive him to cursing. “I DON’T KNOW THIS MAN YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT” those were his words. They came from somewhere deep down. And then a sound- a sound so familiar but never so haunting as now- the rooster crows. And Peter remembered. And Peter wept. Broken Peter.