Chapter Summary

Resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

Discussion Questions for Mark, Chapter 16

1. Who did the women first see in the tomb when they arrived? What role do angels play in the ministry of Jesus throughout the New Testament? What kind of encounters have you possibly had with angelic beings, and what was your experience like?
2. What is the significance of the women bringing "spices" (HCSB) to the tomb? How does this show us the care and concern that this culture had for the dead, and why is it important? How would this story have been different if the cultural norm was not to bring spices to the body after it had already been buried?
3. How does the truth of Jesus's resurrection impact your daily life and decisions now? What level of obedience do we see from the women to do what the angel had commanded?
4. Knowing that their testimonies were not considered as equal, why do you think God chose women to be the first ones to witness the resurrection? How does this reflect God's heart for both men and women, and gender equality in the Kingdom of God?
5. How does this account of the women being overcome with "trembling" (HCSB) and "astonishment" (HCSB) differ from the account of them having "great joy" (HCSB) in Matthew 28? Does this create a false narrative for the resurrection account? How do you personally reconcile these two differences?
6. There is historical debate on whether or not verses 9-18 are in the original manuscripts. What historical evidence can you find for either side? How does this debate shape the way we view Mark? And how does it shape the way we view the reliability and trustworthiness of Scripture?
7. What is the purpose of Jesus commanding His disciples to "preach the Gospel to all creation" (HCSB)? In what ways does this reveal the scope of the Great Commission? What role do you play in taking the Gospel to all creation?
8. What is the significance of the ascension of Jesus in this passage? How does His position near the Father fulfill the Old Testament Messianic prophecies like in the Psalms? What does this say about the power and authority of Jesus, and how we should submit to it?
9. What are the "signs" that accompany the preaching of the Gospel by the apostles? Are these signs still evident today? In what ways do miraculous and supernatural signs confirm the message of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection?
10. How does the claim "they will speak new languages" (HCSB) in verse 17 connect to Pentecost in Acts 2? In what ways does this continue to reveal the global scope of God's plan of redemption?

Key Words/Phrase

Resurrection, v. 16.

Characters

God, Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Peter, disciples, Mary the mother of James and Joses, young man (an angel).

Strong Verse(s)

6, 15, 16.