The Question

I sometimes listen to local pastor Gino Geraci (local pastor and radio talk-show host) on the way home from work. I have to say, when it comes to the Bible and religion, the man knows his stuff. Most of the time I agree with what he says, but two days ago I had to take issue with him, albeit on a minor point. But, being a seminary grad, minor points are my specialty!

He fielded a question from a caller on the ending of Mark. If you turn to Mark 16, you will find that, after verse 8, the NIV states, "The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20." The caller was curious about Gino's thoughts on what is the true ending of Mark. Gino did a good job explaining the issue, citing evidence from all sides of the debate along the way. But then he asked the caller, "What happens if Mark ends with 16:8?", to which the caller responded, "It just doesn't make sense." Gino agreed. I disagree.

Mark 16:8 reads, "Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid." The women had just seen a young man in a white robe (an angel) who had told them of Jesus' resurrection and had given them explicit instructions to go and tell this incredible news. What did they do instead? The exact opposite--they fled and kept their mouths shut. Now if you think about the immediate context, no, it doesn't make sense for Mark to end this way. But what was Mark trying to communicate here? I think he is ending his story with a hanging question for a reason. All throughout his gospel, we learn of this extraordinary man who claims to be God. He performs miracles, heals the sick, feeds the masses, and he even claims to forgive sins! He performs actions that fulfill Old Testament messianic prophecies, he identifies and equates himself with God, he winds up on a cross, yet his tomb is found to be empty. The reader takes part in this journey for 16 chapters, and Mark hopes that by this time he has fashioned a new disciple for the kingdom. But there is one question that remains, and it deals with identification. For the reader who believes, with whom will he or she identify? Will I go and tell, or will I flee and keep quiet? This is the same question that all believers must answer, often on a daily basis. Will I obey the young man's command, or will I follow the example of the three women at the tomb? This is why ending Mark's gospel at 16:8 makes perfect sense. The shorter ending forces the reader to look within, to answer the hanging question for his or her own life. It is really the question, the answer to which is the foundation for all else: What will you do with the message of Christ?