We continue with the next portion of the “alternate” endings of Mark.
Today’s passage is weird, simply stated. We read of a post-resurrection Jesus that seems different than that of the other gospels in that he is more critical/rebuking than understanding of the disciples’ doubt.
But you’re perhaps more focused on the whole snake thing. It really does seem out of place at first sight. And you likely remember that some corners of the Church take the handling of snakes quite literally as a central feature of their worship. Perhaps there is some connection to Moses and Aaron picking up snakes from the tail in front of Pharoah. Maybe there is some reference back to the serpent of Eden in that temptation and sinfulness can now be overcome. Jesus says just a bit earlier that the gospel/good news should be proclaimed to every creature. Isaiah uses a snake (asp) as a sign of shalom - that even children will be able to handle them and not be hurt.
Regardless, the notion is that the Church has been granted a position of new authority.
Mark 16:9-18
[[After Jesus rose up early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and reported to the ones who had been with him, who were mourning and weeping. But even after they heard the news, they didn’t believe that Jesus was alive and that Mary had seen him.
After that he appeared in a different form to two of them who were walking along in the countryside. When they returned, they reported it to the others, but they didn’t believe them. Finally he appeared to the eleven while they were eating. Jesus criticized their unbelief and stubbornness because they didn’t believe those who saw him after he was raised up. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever doesn’t believe will be condemned. These signs will be associated with those who believe: they will throw out demons in my name. They will speak in new languages. They will pick up snakes with their hands. If they drink anything poisonous, it will not hurt them. They will place their hands on the sick, and they will get well.” …]]
Prayer
God,
Jesus’ promises to not be hurt (by snakes or poison) sure sounds good. Often, this is the world we expect from you when we think that you are supposed to be all-powerful. Why do people get cancer? Why are there accidents of sudden death, stealing people from us with no notice? It seems so cruel.
And while I’m being honest, those Christians who feature the whole handling snakes / drinking poison thing as proof of faith is really quite annoying. Is that really what you’ve called us to do to prove our faith and your power? What about feeding the hungry?
Sorry, I suppose I’m feeling ornery this morning. But I do think about these things.
I’m grateful that Jesus said the heart of the law is love. Help me to abide therein.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.
God,
What he said.
Amen.