JESUS' GREAT COMMAND

Passage: Mark 16:12-20

Key verse: 15,16

NIV

12 Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country.(A) 13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.

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.(B)

15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.(C) 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.(D) 17 And these signs(E) will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons;(F) they will speak in new tongues;(G) 18 they will pick up snakes(H) with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on(I) sick people, and they will get well.”

19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven(J) and he sat at the right hand of God.(K) 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs(L) that accompanied it.

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ESV

Jesus Appears to Two Disciples

12 (A)After these things (B)he appeared in (C)another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 (D)And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

The Great Commission

14 Afterward (E)he appeared (F)to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their (G)unbelief and (H)hardness of heart, because (I)they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, (J)“Go into all the world and (K)proclaim the gospel to (L)the whole creation. 16 (M)Whoever believes and is (N)baptized (O)will be saved, but (P)whoever (Q)does not believe will be condemned. 17 And (R)these signs will accompany those who believe: (S)in my name they will cast out demons; (T)they will speak in new tongues; 18 (U)they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; (V)they will lay their hands (W)on the sick, and they will recover.”

19 So then the Lord Jesus, (X)after he had spoken to them, (Y)was taken up into heaven and (Z)sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while (AA)the Lord worked with them and confirmed (AB)the message (AC)by accompanying signs.]]

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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1. Jesus rebuked them (12-14)

The disciples had the testimony of reliable witnesses who had seen the risen Jesus, but they stubbornly refused to believe. They didn't believe Mary, because sorrow had blinded their spiritual eyes. They refused to believe the two who had met him on the road. So Jesus visited them one night and rebuked them for their lack of faith. He wanted their faith to rest on the word of testimony--not on a mystical experience. Each one must make a decision to believe.

2. Jesus' command (15-20)

Jesus gave his fearful and unbelieving disciples a great mission. He commanded them to preach the gospel to all creation. The gospel is absolute. It must not be compromised. Those who believe will be saved; those who don't will be lost. Baptism here is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit changes us into God's children. God protects his children. Jesus himself is present to confirm his word in the lives of those who hear.

Prayer: Lord, forgive my stubborn unbelief and help me share in preaching your gospel to all creation.

One Word: Believe the word; preach the gospel