I.
The Basics
A.
Setting
If Jesus’ burial had been the end
of the story, then His work would have amounted to nothing. However, Jesus
Christ rose from the dead, just as He had predicted! His resurrection marks the
beginning of a life-transforming experience, for the disciples then and for us
now. In the epilogue, Jesus appeared to the disciples and charged them to
continue His ministry. Today, our work is not over until Jesus comes again.
B.
Key Verse
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to
every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does
not believe will be condemned” (16:15-16).
C.
Did You Know…?
1. Spices (16:1): Aromatic oils
were poured over a dead body to counteract the odors of decay. The anointing
was a symbolic expression of loving devotion.
2. “Who will roll away the stone?”
(16:3): After a large stone was slipped into the groove at the entrance of the
tomb, it was very difficult to remove (cf. Lesson 24, Did You Know 13).
3. “See the place where they laid
Him” (16:6): The women and the young man were in the tomb’s outer room. At the
back was a low rectangular opening that led to the burial chamber.
4. “Right hand of God” (16:19): A
symbol of God’s righteousness and strength (cf. Ps 48:10; Isa 41:10).
II.
Observation
A.
Outline
(16:1-8)
(1-3)
(4-6)
(7-8)
(16:9-20)
(9-13)
(14)
(15-18)
(19)
(20)
B.
Key Words/Phrases
III.
General Analysis
1. Matthew 28, Luke 24, John 20-21, and Acts
1:1-11 each presents a different facet of the events after Christ’s
resurrection. Together with Mk 16, they form a vivid picture. Take the time to
read those passages and answer the questions in the corresponding Bible Study
Guides.
2. To whom did Jesus appear after
His resurrection? Why is it important to list the witnesses?
3. Why is the certainty of Jesus’
resurrection so crucial to our faith? (cf. 1Cor 15:14-28).
4. What evidences convince you
that Jesus is alive?
5. Is it okay to celebrate
Christ’s resurrection on Easter? Why or why not?
IV.
Segment Analysis
A.
16:1-8
1. After Jesus died, what was on
the mind of the women and the disciples?
2a. What do the women’s actions
tell you about their devotion to Jesus?
2b. How do you show your devotion
to the Lord Jesus?
3. In verse 6, how did the young
man describe Jesus? What does his words tell us about Jesus’ resurrection?
4. Why did the young man
specifically mention Peter (7)?
5. Why didn’t the women say
anything to anyone? (cf. Jn 20 1-2, 11-18).
B.
16:9-20
6. Why did Jesus rebuke the eleven
disciples (14)?
7a. What did Jesus command the
disciples to do?
7b. How does Jesus confirm what
we preach (17-18)?
7c. How do you accomplish Jesus’
commission to preach?
8. What must we do to be saved?
9a. What does it mean that Jesus
sat down at the right hand of God?
9b. What is Jesus doing in heaven
today?