Mark 16:15-20 New American Bible

Mark 16:15-20 Bible Gateway New International Version

"Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”

Imagine you are one of the disciples of Jesus. And the time of this Gospel, is not years ago, but today. There you are listening intently to what Jesus is telling you. He says “Go into the whole world and tell everyone the Gospel because whoever believes will be saved.” You say, “But, Master, I cannot go to a France because they speak a different language. I cannot go to Russia because I do not speak Russian.” Then Jesus tells you that you will be able to speak the language of every person you meet.” Now, that is amazing news. It usually takes people at least a year to learn to speak a new language. Many people speak the same language and live in the same house with one another but still do not understand each other. Therefore, Jesus with the help of God the Father and the Holy Spirit is going to give you the power to speak other languages instantly. You will be able to understand those in your family, your friends, and perfect strangers. Today we have fast foods. Now, Jesus is adding fast language.

Another excuse comes to your mind. You say, “Lord, I am scared that dangerous snakes might bite and kill me dead with their poison.” Jesus tells you, “Not to worry, young one. Snakes will not bite or harm you in any way. Any poisons you drink, will not bother you at all.”

Now you bring up another excuse, “Jesus, it will be hard to get people to believe if they are very sick. How will I encourage people to believe in you even when they or their loved ones are plagued with illness?” Jesus lays his hand on your shoulder, and looks you straight in the eye. Then he says, “I give you the power to heal those who are sick and believe in me.” As Jesus begins to rise up into the heavens, he says, “I will be with you always until the end of the earth (Matthew 28:20). You say to your fellow disciples, “He’s gone, but he says he is with us. How can that be? Then each of you realize that you feel a little of him in your heart, he is living within you. The Holy Spirit fills you with joy and confidence to go forth and do as Jesus commanded you.

Still looking up at the clouds, you say the “Our Father.” Now say the “Our Father” and ask God to help you to forgive others as he has forgiven you.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Then go through your house, out into your school, neighborhood and beyond to teach the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The best way to teach others is by your example. When your brother hurts your feelings, tell him how you feel about it, and also forgive him. When your sister eats all the cookies in your lunchbox, tell her you were so disappointed and very hungry because the cookies were gone. Then forgive her as God has forgiven you. When you hurt someonelse, forgive yourself first because it is hard to forgive others when you are not showing love and forgiveness for yourself, too.

Sing joyfully the song, “By Our Love,” asking God to help you to love others as Jesus has loved you. Ask God to let you be a good example so that people can tell you are a Christian by your love.

Click to hear me singing By Our Love 1.wav. The words follow:

By Our Love

We are one in the Spirit.
We are one in the Lord.
We are one in the Spirit.
We are one in the Lord.
And we pray that all unity
May one day be restored.

And they'll know we are Christians
By our love, By our love.
Yes, they'll know we are Christians
By our love.

We will walk with each other.
We will walk side by side.
We will walk with each other.
We will walk side by side.
We will guard all man’s dignity
And save all man’s pride

And they'll know we are Christians
By our love, By our love.
Yes, they'll know we are Christians
By our love.

We’ll give praise to the Father
From whom all good things come,
We’ll give praise to Christ Jesus
His only son.

We’ll give praise to the Spirit
For he makes us all one!

And they'll know we are Christians
By our love, By our love.
Yes, they'll know we are Christians
By our love.