Mark 16

Jesus of Nazareth is risen

Jesus — Greek form of Joshua (Yeshua), 'Jehovah saves'

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. Mark 16:1–8

An angel announces the greatest news in history: the crucified Jesus is alive, just as He promised. Peter, who had denied Him, is named so he will know he is still wanted.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Mark 14:28 — After that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee
• fulfils Mosiah 3:10 — He shall rise the third day from the dead
• a parallel account in Matthew 28:1-8 — Matthew's account of the empty tomb
• a parallel account in Luke 24:1-9 — Luke's account of the empty tomb
• the same event in John 20:1-2 — John's account of the stone taken away

Risen Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. Mark 16:9–11

The first person to see the resurrected Savior is Mary Magdalene, a woman He had healed. The disciples don't believe her at first.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in John 20:14-18 — John's account of Jesus appearing to Mary in the garden

Risen Jesus appears to two disciples

After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. Mark 16:12–13

The risen Lord walks with two disciples in a form they do not recognize at first, another witness that He lives.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Luke 24:13-35 — Luke's full account of the road to Emmaus

Risen Jesus appears to the eleven

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. Mark 16:14

Jesus appears to His apostles and corrects them for not believing the witnesses He had sent them.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Luke 24:36-43 — Luke's account of Jesus appearing to the apostles and eating with them

Believe and be baptized

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15–16

The risen Christ sends His apostles to the whole world with His doctrine: faith in Him and baptism lead to salvation. Moroni and the Doctrine and Covenants repeat these words.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Matthew 28:19-20 — Matthew's account of the great commission
• quoted by Mormon 9:22-23 — Moroni quotes the commission to go into all the world
• quoted by D&C 68:8-9 — The commission and promise repeated to latter-day elders

Signs following, in His name

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Mark 16:17–18

The miracles believers perform are done in Christ's name, by His power. The gifts follow faith in Him; they are not a show.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quoted by Mormon 9:24 — Moroni quotes the promised signs
• alluded to by D&C 84:65-72 — The Lord repeats the signs that follow them that believe
• fulfilled by Acts 28:3-6 — Paul is unharmed by a viper on Melita

The Lord received up into heaven

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. Mark 16:19–20

Jesus, now called simply 'the Lord,' ascends to sit at God's right hand, yet He keeps working with His servants on earth.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Psalm 110:1 — Sit thou at my right hand
• the same event in Acts 1:9-11 — Luke's account of the Ascension from Olivet
• a parallel account in Luke 24:50-51 — He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven