When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. (Mark 16:1-8, NRSV)
This is the end to the gospel of Mark. Now if you look in your Bible you will see more to verse 8 that is in [ ] and verses 9 – 20 of chapter 16. Most scholars believe the bracketed text and everything after was added later.
And the reason someone added it is because the women would not run away from the tomb in fear! Jesus was alive, someone had to tell the good news even if it was women!
We can’t take that as the ending of the gospel. Jesus rising is too good of news to leave no one knowing.
But see here is the kicker, even verse 20 is not the end of the Gospel of Mark!
Mark begins: “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God…” and the women leaving the tomb wordless, is not the end, but a step.
You see you are continuing the gospel of Mark! We are still sharing the story.
Alleluia Christ is Risen! That is the best news any of us can share and as we share it the gospel continues!
So go and shout it from the mountain tops that Jesus is alive.
Alleluia Christ is Risen!
aSacredRebel 