Verse by Verse

The command was one of the last things Jesus told his disciples and one of the most important things for the future of the church he was preparing to found. A few weeks earlier, he'd been resurrected from the dead after 3 days and 3 nights spent in the tomb. In the 40 days between his resurrection and his ascension to his father's throne, Jesus appeared to groups ranging from 2 or 3 to more than 500 disciples, showing them that he was indeed alive and giving them vital instructions for the future. Today, we're looking at Mark chapter 16 verse 15, one of several passages in which Jesus gave his disciples a mission that would start after Pentecost about a week away, a mission that still continues to this day. He said to them, go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

That's an impressive mission, isn't it? Go to the whole world. They didn't even know the full extent of the world at that time, but we find references in the new testament to them being guided by the holy spirit to go throughout the known world of the Roman Empire. And legends exist of disciples going farther yet in the ancient world. They were to preach the gospel.

Gospel means good news. We all like to hear good news, but this wasn't just any good news. The first mention of this gospel in the book of Mark is in chapter 1 verses 14 and 15 where we can read, now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of god and saying, the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel. The gospel the disciples were to preach was about the kingdom of God, a literal kingdom under God's rule to be established on the earth after the return of Jesus Christ in the not too distant future.

There are wonderful prophecies in the bible about that kingdom. Many people shall come and say, come and let us go up to the mountain of the lord, to the house of the god of Jacob, and he will teach us his ways, and we shall walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between nations and rebuke many people. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.

Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. That's Isaiah chapter 2 verses 34. That has never happened in history. This is a prophecy about the kingdom of god to come. A few chapters later, we read, for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder.

And his name will be called wonderful, counselor, mighty god, everlasting father, prince of peace. Of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end. Upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever, The zeal of the lord of hosts will perform this. That's Isaiah chapter 9 verses 6 and 7. And that hasn't happened yet either.

This passage also is a prophecy of the kingdom of god to come, and that is good news. That's the gospel Jesus' disciples were and are to preach. Jesus Christ is going to return to Earth to establish the kingdom of God. He will eliminate war and teach everyone God's law of love and peace, and that kingdom will continue forever. When I was a young student of theology, one of my mentors told me, god does not draw you to his son as a favor.

He calls you because he has something for you to do. Well, here's something in which all faithful Christians must participate in one way or another. Some can serve in the work by speaking or writing, some with financial contributions. All of us can do so through our prayers and with moral support. If you would like to take part in our efforts to preach that same gospel around the world today, consider subscribing to our weekly Life, Hope, and Truth newsletter.

It will keep you informed of new publications and programs. Everything we publish is free, and we don't ask the public for money. Here's your chance to be a part of the most exciting and important mission being carried out anywhere in the world today.

Verse by Verse is a companion podcast to the daily bible verse blog, which you can find on the Life, Hope and Truth Learning Center. Check out the show notes for more.