What does Mark 16:11 mean?
This verse is not in the oldest, most reliable manuscripts of the New Testament and likely not original to Mark's Gospel. However, the statement is not contradictory to what we read elsewhere in the Bible.For three years, Jesus has trained the disciples to spread the good news of His resurrection to the world. In the first few days, we see how difficult that task is. First, Mary Magdalene, who has traveled with the disciples and supported Jesus in His work (Luke 8:1–3), announces she has seen and talked to Jesus (John 20:18). Jesus had previously told the disciples He would die and be raised again (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34). But when the disciples hear from Mary and the other women, "these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them" (Luke 24:11). Peter and John run to the tomb and verify that it is empty (Luke 24:12; John 20:3–10). They seem to begin to believe, yet still do not understand.
This night, two of Jesus' followers return and say they met Jesus on the road and ate with Him (Luke 24:13–35).
). Evidently Jesus had also appeared to Peter (Luke 24:34). As the two men finish their story, Jesus appears in the room, which they'd locked themselves into for fear of the Jews (John 20:19). The disciples think it is a spirit (Luke 24:36–37). Later, Thomas arrives and refuses to believe any of them (John 20:24–29). Jesus must return and show Thomas His hands and feet before Thomas will accept the truth. Throughout Jesus' ministry, He has had occasion to be frustrated with the disciples' lack of faith (Mark 4:35–41; 8:14–21). In other situations, like when He walked on water (Mark 6:45–52), He sees real fear and responds by showing them the truth.
The resurrection is the key component of the gospel. Without it, our "faith is futile" and "we are of all people most to be pitied" (1 Corinthians 15:17–19). Once we accept the resurrection, we can freely say, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). In order to do so, we must accept what God says to us through the Scriptures, and pray that our hearts will not be hardened (Mark 6:52) and the truth will not be hidden from us (Luke 18:34).
