The Gospel of Mark #27 – Study Questions

Kyle Bartholic   -   July 18, 2024

The Conclusion of Mark

Mark 16:9-20 (CGS#26)

INTRODUCTION:  The conclusion of Mark likely comes with a note in your Bible that states, “Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include 16:9–20.” There are some linguistic inconsistencies and oddities in verses 9-20 that make some scholars wonder if they were part of Mark’s original writing. Couple that with the note that the earliest manuscripts do not have those verses, and we can really be left to scratch our heads. The reality is that, yes, there are some oddities in the concluding verses. But there is also much that is a direct connection to the other Gospel accounts, and there is nothing that directly contradicts Scripture. With those two things, we can have confidence in Mark’s longer ending.

Most of the content of the Longer Ending (vv. 9–20) echoes, usually in abbreviated form, elements in the resurrection stories of Matthew, Luke, and John, as follows: ^[1]

So, what are we to focus on in these verses? The forward mission of all believers and the church, the Great Commission. The Christian faith is not oriented towards exclusion or keeping others out. The very work of the gospel is that of inclusion. Through Christ, all are invited by grace to be included in the kingdom. And God uses his redeemed people in the important work of declaring the gospel and inviting the lost to believe in Jesus. We should hear Jesus’ words here in Mark and in the other Gospels to proclaim the gospel and take them seriously. Mark notes some unique signs that would give validity to the gospel message, and in the book of Acts, we see many of these very signs. What about today? What is one of the most powerful signs that God has wonder-working power? Transformed lives. As the redeemed people of God, our lives are to be the “proof in the pudding” per se. So, what do our lives say about Jesus and the life he offers? Are we living reminders of God’s grace and redemptive power? As Christians, we are saved from sin and saved for righteousness. Let us be found faithful to live lives that point to Jesus.

GETTING STARTED – As a group, take time to answer this question. Who is someone who has shaped your walk with God by the way that they lived their life? What did they do that was so striking, informative, or helpful?

IN THE WORD –   Let’s dig back into the passage(s). It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.

First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)

Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.

Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?

Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?

Note: Another way to approach your time together is to talk through the following questions.

1. What has stood out to you the most in our study of Mark? How has your understanding and perspective of Jesus been clarified through it?
2. What are some things that our culture at large misses about Jesus? How does Mark’s Gospel speak to those things? How has Christian culture contributed to those misunderstandings?
3. What does it look like to proclaim the gospel with your life? Consider the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-24) as a rubric of transformation and demonstration.
4. Who are three lost or seeking people in your life that you can pray specifically for their salvation? What opportunities do you have to demonstrate the power of the gospel to them through your life? Have you sat with them and listened to their story of spiritual searching or questions about Jesus?
5. Who are two or three believing friends who can support you through prayer and accountability to proclaim the gospel through your life?

^[1] R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 2002), 686.