Our scripture this morning is Mark 16:14-16.
Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead. And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.”
Mark is acknowledged to be the oldest of the Gospel accounts. It is a compact testimony focusing on what Jesus did, using the phrases “immediately ” or “at once” to indicate action. Mark’s version of the Great Commission is perhaps different in structure than what we hear in Matthew 28, but the call for us to go share the Good News is exactly the same.
In Genesis 12 we read that all the world was to be blessed through Abraham. Jesus lived, died and rose again as the fulfillment of that covenant. He has called us to carry on the work of making disciples until He comes again to take us home.
Being part of the kingdom work is our response to what Jesus has done for us all. We share His story and how His sacrifice has impacted our lives. Each of us must choose to accept His promise that “anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved”.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for the gift of Your son who came to save us. Help us to go in faith to share Your word and Your love with everyone. Amen.
