Mark 16:20 – “Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.”
Extended Explanation
This verse shows the immediate obedience of the disciples after Jesus’ ascension. They followed His command to preach the gospel to the world (Mark 16:15) and didn’t hesitate to share the good news. But they weren’t acting on their own. As they preached, the Lord was with them, empowering them and confirming the truth of their message with miraculous signs.
The phrase “the Lord worked with them” highlights the ongoing presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Although Jesus had ascended to heaven, His work on earth continued through His followers. The signs that accompanied their preaching—such as healings, casting out demons, and speaking in tongues—validated the message of salvation and demonstrated that God’s power was behind it.
Historical Context
In the early days of the church, preaching the gospel was often risky and dangerous. The disciples faced opposition, persecution, and threats from both religious leaders and government authorities. Despite these challenges, they boldly spread the message of Jesus, beginning in Jerusalem and eventually reaching the surrounding regions and beyond.
The “signs that accompanied” their preaching were a common feature of the early church, as recorded in the book of Acts. These signs served to demonstrate that the gospel was not just words but was backed by the power of God. Miracles, healings, and supernatural events helped many people believe in the message and strengthened the faith of those who had already accepted it.
Theological Implications
This verse reminds us of the partnership between human obedience and God’s power. The disciples preached, but it was the Lord who confirmed their message. This balance shows that while believers are called to be faithful witnesses, the effectiveness of the gospel ultimately depends on God’s power.
The signs and wonders mentioned in this verse were not meant to be the focus—they were meant to point to the truth of the gospel. Miracles confirmed the message of salvation, but faith was the key to receiving it. Even today, while God may still perform miracles, the focus is on the truth of His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit in transforming lives.
Theologically, this verse also demonstrates that God is actively involved in His mission. He doesn’t simply give commands and leave His people to carry them out alone. Instead, He works alongside His followers, empowering them and validating their efforts.
Literary Analysis
Mark 16:20 serves as a powerful conclusion to the Gospel of Mark. The verse ties together the themes of obedience, mission, and divine power that run throughout the Gospel. The phrase “the Lord worked with them” emphasizes that Jesus’ presence didn’t end with His ascension—it continues through the church.
The mention of signs accompanying their preaching connects directly to earlier verses in Mark 16, where Jesus promised that miracles would follow those who believe. This literary connection reinforces the idea that Jesus’ words were being fulfilled as the disciples carried out their mission.
Biblical Cross-References
- Acts 2:43 – The apostles perform many signs and wonders, demonstrating God’s power.
- Acts 5:12-16 – Signs and healings accompany the apostles’ preaching, leading many to believe.
- Hebrews 2:3-4 – God testifies to the truth of the gospel through signs, wonders, and miracles.
- Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission includes Jesus’ promise to be with His disciples as they make disciples of all nations.
- John 14:12 – Jesus promises that His followers will do even greater works through the power of the Holy Spirit.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern believers, this verse is a reminder that the mission of the church is ongoing. The disciples’ obedience to Jesus’ command to preach the gospel didn’t stop with the early church—it’s a mission that continues today. Every Christian is called to share the good news of Jesus with others, trusting that God will work through their efforts.
This verse also reassures Christians that they are not alone in their mission. Just as the Lord worked with the disciples, He is still working with believers today. The Holy Spirit empowers us to share the gospel, and God’s presence gives us the courage and strength to fulfill our calling.
Additionally, this verse encourages Christians to rely on God’s power rather than their own abilities. The effectiveness of our witness doesn’t depend on how persuasive or knowledgeable we are—it depends on God’s power to work through us and confirm His message.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He partners with His followers to spread the message of salvation. He doesn’t leave us to figure things out on our own. Instead, He works alongside us, guiding and empowering us as we share His love with others.
The signs that accompanied the disciples’ preaching were acts of compassion and love. Through healings and miracles, God demonstrated His care for people’s physical and spiritual needs. The purpose of these signs was to draw people to Him, showing them that He is a loving and active God who desires a relationship with them.
God’s love is also seen in His patience and persistence. The mission to preach the gospel didn’t end with the first disciples—it continues through every generation of believers because God desires for all people to know Him and experience His salvation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus’ role as the risen Savior who continues to work through His followers. His ascension didn’t mark the end of His involvement with the world—it marked the beginning of a new phase in which He would work through His church. The power that accompanied the disciples’ preaching came from Jesus, who promised that His followers would do great things in His name (John 14:12).
Jesus is central to the message that the disciples preached. Their mission was to proclaim His life, death, and resurrection as the means of salvation. The signs that accompanied their preaching pointed people to Jesus, confirming that He is the Son of God who has the power to save.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean for you to be part of the mission to share the gospel today?
- How can you rely on God’s power rather than your own abilities when sharing your faith?
- Have you ever experienced or witnessed God working through you or others to confirm His message?
- How does knowing that Jesus is working with you give you confidence in your faith?
- What practical steps can you take to be more active in sharing the good news of Jesus with those around you?