September 12, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Mark Chapter 16
1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Mark chapter 16 describes the decisive moment of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His appearances before the disciples. This chapter concludes the Gospel and proclaims the power of faith and the mission of the disciples to spread the Gospel to the whole world. The central message of this chapter lies in the hope of eternal life through the risen Christ and the commission to pass on this message.
Commentary
In the first verses (1-8) of the chapter, we learn how Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome go to Jesus’ tomb to anoint His body. They are concerned about who will roll away the heavy stone from the tomb’s entrance. When they arrive, they find that the stone has already been rolled away, and they see an angel in white robes who delivers the news that Jesus has risen. This event reflects the women’s confusion and astonishment, but also the joy that death does not have the final word.
The following verses (9-14) report on the appearances of the risen Jesus to Mary Magdalene and other disciples. It is noteworthy that, despite multiple testimonies, the disciples initially did not believe in the resurrection. This refusal to believe is rebuked by Jesus Himself, who emphasizes the importance of faith for salvation.
In the concluding verses (15-20), Jesus gives the disciples the command to spread the Gospel throughout the world. This is the Great Commission, making it clear that salvation is not meant for a small group but for all people. Signs such as miraculous healings and casting out demons will accompany this mission, affirming Jesus’ divine authority.
Summary
Mark chapter 16 tells of Jesus’ resurrection and His appearances before the disciples, who initially doubted but later received the commission to spread the Good News to the entire world. The focus of this chapter is on the power of faith, the triumph over death, and the universal mission to proclaim the Gospel. Jesus’ resurrection is the victory over death, and His disciples are called to make this victory accessible to all people.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 61—Zacchaeus
This chapter is based on Luke 19:1-10.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 is a powerful narrative of conversion, repentance, and forgiveness. It takes place in Jericho, a wealthy city known for its lush vegetation and economic prosperity. At the center of the story is Zacchaeus, a tax collector who is despised by society for his profession and wealth. However, his encounter with Jesus becomes a turning point in his life, as he experiences a radical transformation through the grace of Jesus.
Commentary:
Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, was a man who possessed wealth and power but was inwardly dissatisfied and guilty. His profession, often associated with injustice and extortion, had alienated him from his people. Yet, Zacchaeus was open to change. When he heard about Jesus, the teacher who welcomed even the outcasts, a hope for a better life was kindled within him. This shows that in every person, even the most despised, there is a desire for renewal.
The circumstances under which Zacchaeus encounters Jesus are symbolic of his inner state: he is small in stature and cannot see over the crowd. This reflects his social standing, but he overcomes this obstacle by climbing a tree—a sign of his intense desire to see Jesus. This gesture is rewarded when Jesus speaks to him directly and announces that he will stay at his house.
The reaction of the crowd, criticizing Jesus for staying with a “sinner,” is typical of the religious elites of that time who excluded people like Zacchaeus. But Jesus makes it clear that his mission is to save those who are lost, not just the righteous. Zacchaeus’ repentance is deep and sincere; he offers to give half of his wealth to the poor and repay those he has wronged four times over.
This encounter reveals the transformative power of forgiveness and grace. Zacchaeus’ conversion is an example of true repentance, which manifests in concrete actions. It is not enough to confess mistakes; they must also be corrected, just as Zacchaeus does. His decision to support the poor and make restitution shows that he has internalized Jesus’ teachings.
Summary:
The story of Zacchaeus is a narrative about conversion, grace, and the power of forgiveness. Although he was a wealthy and despised tax collector, his encounter with Jesus shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. Zacchaeus’ repentance is radical and sincere, as he is willing to correct his wrongs and help those in need. This story teaches us that true conversion is not only visible in words but also in concrete actions, and that Jesus comes to those who seek a new beginning. It reminds us that God’s grace can transform even the hardest hearts.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 62—The Feast at Simon’s House
This chapter is based on Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-11; Luke 7:36-50; John 11:55-57; John 12:1-11.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
The feast at Simon’s house in Bethany, based on the Gospel accounts (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-11; Luke 7:36-50; John 11:55-57; John 12:1-11), is a profound episode in the life of Jesus. This feast, hosted by Simon, a healed Pharisee, shows us the connection between gratitude, repentance, and divine forgiveness. The accounts highlight the tensions between genuine expressions of love and the selfishness present in the hearts of the disciples and other attendees.
Commentary:
The feast at Simon’s house is particularly marked by Mary’s action of anointing Jesus with expensive nard oil. This gesture represents deep love and devotion to Christ, as Mary wanted to thank him for the forgiveness of her sins and the raising of her brother Lazarus. Her act demonstrates how true gratitude is expressed through concrete, selfless actions, regardless of external criticism. However, Judas, who considered the anointing a waste, revealed his selfish nature, which ultimately led him to betray Jesus.
It is interesting to see how Jesus gently corrects Simon’s self-righteous thoughts. While Simon had been healed by Jesus, he had not yet fully understood the depth of forgiveness. Through the parable of the two debtors, Jesus illustrates that forgiveness and love are interconnected. Those who receive great forgiveness also show greater love. Simon’s pride and judgment were exposed, and through Jesus’ gentle rebuke, he recognized his own guilt.
The reaction of the disciples, who initially criticized Mary’s action, reveals their immaturity in understanding devotion. Jesus’ acknowledgment of Mary’s deed teaches us that true devotion and love are never wasted. Jesus recognized the anointing as a symbolic act pointing to his impending death, and he blessed Mary for her prophetic insight.
Summary:
The feast at Simon’s house is a moving example of the contrast between genuine devotion and selfishness. While Mary anointed Jesus out of deep gratitude and love, Judas was driven by greed and self-interest. Through his parable and reaction to Mary’s action, Jesus shows that love and forgiveness are central to faith. Simon’s pride and Judas’ betrayal stand in stark contrast to Mary’s selfless love, which serves as a model for future generations. This episode teaches us the importance of expressing our faith through acts of love and devotion.
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