ASCENSION DAY.
Mark 16:14-20.
Jesus appeared to the eleven, and “upbraided them with their UNBELIEF” because they “BELIEVED NOT” them which had seen Him after He was risen (Mark 16:14; cf. Luke 24:36-43).
The passage fast-forwards to the Great Commission (Mark 16:15; cf. Matthew 28:19; Luke 24:47-48; Acts 1:8).
The writer factors in other details: “he that BELIEVES and is baptised shall be saved; and he that BELIEVES NOT shall be damned” (Mark 16:16; cf. John 3:16; John 3:18; John 3:36).
“And these signs shall follow them that BELIEVE” (Mark 16:17a).
“In my name they will cast out demons &c.” (Mark 16:17-18). Jesus was in no doubt as to His own divine authority, and these things did indeed follow when people did BELIEVE.
They did cast out demons (Acts 8:7; Acts 19:11-12).
They spoke with new tongues (Acts 2:4; Acts 10:45-46; Acts 19:6).
One accidentally picked up a serpent, and survived (Acts 28:3-6).
Drinking any deadly thing and not suffering harm? (cf. Luke 10:19: 'and nothing shall by any means hurt you').
They laid hands on the sick, and they recovered (Acts 28:8; cf. James 5:14-15).
After giving His NOW BELIEVING disciples the terms of the Great Commission, Jesus “was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19). His authority resides there. Our authority emanates from there.
“And they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following” (Mark 16:20). The work goes on, and will go on, until the gospel has been preached to all nations; ‘and then shall the end come’ (Matthew 24:14).
