Mark 16 Resurrection Narrative in Mark
Introduction:
The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus Christ as the Son of God (Mark 1:1). He divides his presentation into two parts; in the first half, Peter confesses that Jesus is Christ (Mark 8:29), and in the second half, a Roman centurion confesses that truly this man was the Son of God (Mark 15:39). So, the Jews and the Gentiles understood that Jesus Christ was and is the savior of the World. The Gospel of Mark was written in a troubled time. It was a time of political instability, religious conflict, violence, terrorism, persecution, and bloodshed.
Biblical Scholars in ancient times believed that the Gospel of Mark ended with Mark 16:8. Now designated as the Shorter Ending. But now versions include texts collectively known as the Longer Ending (Mark 16:9-19). In Mark 16:1-8, the empty tomb and the sense of alarm and bewilderment on the part of the women are central. The parallel texts of Mathew, Luke, and John alter and add to Mark’s narrative reflecting a developing theological understanding in the New Testament Churches of the meaning and significance of Christ’s Resurrection
Predictions:
Mark predicts Jesus’ bodily resurrection after three days in the tomb in five places: Three recognized Passion Predictions in Mark 8:31-33, 9:31b–32, 10:32–34, a less often recognized fourth Passion Prediction in Mark 9:9b-13, and the Empty Tomb story, the whole ending of extant in Mark 15:40, 16:8.
The people proclaimed Jesus as Messiah and King (Mark 11:8-11). Jesus was accused falsely by the Jewish council (Mark 14:53-65), tried by the Roman government (Mark 15:1-15), and died at the hands of the humanity he came to save (Mark 15:21-41). His own disciples betrayed (Mark 14:43-49), denied (Mark 14:66-72), and deserted him (Mark 14:50-51), except for a number of women who had supported his work all along are found here in the Tomb.
The arrival of the New Age:
The woman went to the tomb when the sun had risen (Mark 16:2) to signify an arrival of a new day and a new age. In Mark, Jesus is primarily human, though elevated to his rightful place at God’s right hand (Mark 16:19). The first part of the resurrection ends with the words: "Go and Tell his disciples and Peter." It is remarkable that Peter is singled out for special notice. It was proof of the kindness and mercy of the Lord Jesus. Peter, just before the death of Jesus, had denied him. He had brought dishonor on his profession of attachment to him. It would have been right if the Lord Jesus had from that moment cast him off and noticed him no more. But he loved him still. Having loved him once, he loved unto the end.
Proof of Resurrection:
The resurrection of Jesus is true because of the documents, the empty tomb, the rolled stone, and the existing church even through the persecutions and deaths of many. Mathew Henry comments for Mark 16:1 that the resurrection had brought an end to the Sabbath rest.
The resurrection means that Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power (Romans 1:4), We have the assurance of our own resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:14), God has an eternal plan for these bodies of ours, and Christianity is unique and completely different among world religions.
Enduring Word Commentary says that there are several examples in the Bible that people resuscitated, such as the widow’s son in the days of Elijah (1 Kings 17:17-24), and Lazarus (John 11:38-44). They were resuscitated from death, and not resurrected. They were raised in the same body and they died again. Resurrection isn’t just living again; it is living again in a new body, perfectly suited for life in eternity.
Jesus was not merely resuscitated but resurrected. Resurrection means he came back to life in the same body in which he died, but that body was transformed into a more glorious version, and it would never die again. His resurrection promises resurrection for all those who believe in him.
We are Witnesses:
The New Revised Standard Version text of Mark 16:2 reads: “And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went (Greek: “they come”) to the tomb.” The literal reading of the Greek text would be to translate as a present tense event as “they come.” In Greek, this is known as the historic present tense with its purpose to draw you as the reader or hearer into the present time of the story. So, we too, become witnesses, even participants with the women, in the action of coming to the tomb. These women proved themselves to be the most devoted followers of Jesus, and they were the first to proclaim His resurrection.
(Ref: The Resurrection of Jesus According to Mark by Peter Krol; Catholic Identity; Theology of Work; Paul S. Berge in working Preacher; Study Light Commentaries)
(Please refer this site for further studies in Mark)
