Mark's account of what took place after the resurrection and what believer should expect in their own lives because of it is recorded in the later half of chapter 16.  Mark's entire Gospel is a fast paced look at the life and teachings of Jesus and very much focuses on the supernatural power and ministry of Jesus.  In many ways Mark is saying that the Lord's actions are as powerful as His words.  Since Mark's Gospel is thought to have been written to people who did not live near where Jesus had walked Mark makes a clear statement of the power of God, and so there is a graphic and dramatic approach to this record. The Apostle Peter was a main source of Mark's information and because of that we see this emphasis different from Matthew and Luke.  But these few verses give us an understanding of what we as followers of the risen one should expect. These verses are the words of our Resurrected Lord.

^ He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. ^ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. ^ And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; ^ they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." 

 Mark 16:15-18

Wow! Pretty great stuff right?  Jesus addresses the importance of proclaiming the good news everywhere, at home, office and wherever we are, not as a mandate for missionaries but as a mandate for believers to proclaim who Jesus is. We have far too often used the phrase that evangelism is not my thing, someone else will do it. But as we can see already from this text, Jesus does not make any kind of "out" for us.  All of us are to proclaim the truth of Jesus everywhere. (As a side note for those who want to understand how to better share their faith, we are having some special instruction with Randy Hurst for anyone who wants to join us on April 5^th at 5:30, I will be there hope you can too) Since the Resurrection confirms who Jesus is, we have a clear mandate to share with everyone about our Lord and Master.  This is not an optional accessory with believers, but an essential one; it is why we are here.  Jesus, goes on to make a clear statement that believing in Jesus is the only way and that baptism as a sign of that commitment to believe is expected.  Recently the most prominent talk show host in our country made the statement that Jesus is not the only way to Heaven, this verse says otherwise.  That is why we must not neglect our next step as disciples to be proclaimers. 

In the verses that follow, Jesus tells us that signs, wonders, miracles, will accompany those who believe.  There are five signs here mentioned that attest to the authority of Jesus and the message that believers share.

•1.   Drive out demons- here again the authority of Jesus through His disciples over demonic powers.

•2.   They will speak with new tongues or languages- This is a clear reference to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Language

•3.   Pick up deadly snakes-  This is not to say that we are to do this, but is a statement of God's protection in facing persecution, much like Daniel God watches over and protects His people

•4.   Protection against poison- here again a clear reminder of the power of the Lord to keep us in the midst of persecution and suffering and again clear statement about the authority of Jesus over all things.

•5.   Finally the promise of laying hands on the sick and the healing that comes as believers proclaim the Gospel.

This power that accompanies the proclamation of the Gospel is something that at times we do not expect, but shouldn't we?   Now it Begins.....