It’s the post-resurrection “encore,” AKA Mark’s longer ending.

While the earliest manuscripts don’t include this section, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t originally there or part of first-century church tradition.

Our confessions reference this passage, particularly regarding baptism in the Small Catechism.

It is split into three sections:

– Mary Magdalene

Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, who tells the mourning disciples. They don’t believe her.

It’s notable that in this culture that if you wanted credible witnesses, you wouldn’t choose women because they couldn’t legally testify in court.

But Jesus doesn’t follow human logic. This defies reason but not history.

– The Two Disciples

Jesus appears to two disciples walking to the country. This likely references the Emmaus road account.

They return and tell the others, who still don’t believe.

It’s a reminder that the church isn’t founded on the apostles’ strength but on the risen Christ working through them despite their doubt.

– The Apostolic Sending

Jesus appears to the eleven at table and rebukes their unbelief.

Then comes the sending: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel.”

The promise: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”

The accompanying signs he gives them such as casting out demons, speaking in tongues, handling serpents, drinking poison, and healing were likely specific to the apostolic ministry, not universal promises.

We see these fulfilled in Acts.

The danger with “enthusiasm” is when some measure God’s presence by signs rather than by His promises in Word and sacrament.

The church is NOT sustained through impressive signs, but through the faithful proclamation of the gospel with the Lord working (and growing His church) through Word and sacrament.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

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