Mark 16:15 – Preach It!

“And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15)

Now we have our marching orders straight from Jesus. How do you respond? We could easily sit back and say that Jesus meant this for someone else. One excuse after another could come spewing from our mouths. I think having this verse close in mind helps us know what Jesus wants from us.

Context (Mark 16:9-20): Jesus’ command comes in the concluding section of Mark’s gospel, not found in all manuscripts. But this passage takes us from Jesus’ resurrection, final teachings, all the way to his ascension into heaven. These words are consistent with Jesus’ message in other gospel accounts about his final days. Being an avid fan of The Chosen television series, I can actually picture these events playing out by those representing our Bible characters. Of course, the series’ season I’m currently watching covers Holy Week, so there is plenty more to happen before these verses are portrayed.

We’re disciples of Christ, too, so this message is for us. Imagine how unprepared those first disciples felt when Jesus told them their mission. We have so many more resources at our disposal these days compared to the early church. If you’re familiar with church history of the period, there are records showing that the disciples did heed Jesus’ words. They did spread the gospel in distant lands.

Don’t think that you have to go around the world to obey Jesus. There are plenty of people around the world who are being called to this very same mission. There are plenty of “lost” people who need to hear this message around us, maybe even on our own block.

When we encounter new Christians who have just recently discovered Jesus for themselves, they are especially vulnerable and need our encouragement. Often, they are surrounded by non-believers who will watch the “newbie,” expecting him or her to fall. How are you poised to help?

There are plenty of mission fields waiting for us to come preach. When you think of the word “preach,” what images come to mind? Now look in the mirror. You have been called to be a preacher. Your “sermon” will look different than mine, because it is simply sharing the story of who we were before Jesus and who we are now. That’s where we start. After that, we tell Jesus’ story.

Preaching my sound hard, but it really isn’t. And it’s my experience that when we obey Jesus like this, he is there to help us. Ask for the words to say, ask for the confidence to open your mouth, ask for an open heart to receive your words. You are not alone as you preach.

Everyone deserves to hear about Jesus. What one thing can you do today to touch someone?

Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I want the world to know about you so they can have the peace and assurance I feel from knowing you. Give me the confidence to open my mouth and share my story and yours. Open up conversations that lead me in that direction and prepare the hearts of those I encounter. May my lips be ever ready to share about your love and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.