The "In Between Time" in Mark's Gospel
Jesus Has Risen
16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene,who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” 8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
Mark's gospel is the earliest gospel written probably sometime between 60-70 A.D. not too long after Jesus died and rose again. And also the shortest gospel at 16 chapters. Most of the earliest manuscripts which are usually considered the most reliable end Mark's gospel at verse 8. Other later manuscripts and some early church fathers add verse 9-20. Most who argue for a longer ending doubt that Mark would not offer something more satisfying to end his gospel. It just leaves you wondering too much what happened next.
If you would like to read a scholarly article on the pro's and con's of either the shorter or longer ending here is a link:
One of the reasons that many favor the longer ending is there is no closure with Jesus and his disciples. There is no restoration of Peter or presenting his scars to Thomas, and comforting of Mary. Though it is implied that he is going on ahead to meet the disciples, we don't get to hear the story. We don't get to hear the Great Commission at the end of Matthew 28 where Jesus told the 12 to go and make disciples of all nations and that he would be with them until the end of the age.
Here are some of the reasons put forth by those favoring the shorter ending:
Mark ends his Gospel as “unfinished business for the reader to complete, thoughtfully and imaginatively, not textually.” (Petersen)
Mark wanted to force his readers “to reflect on the future response
of Jesus’ followers, including themselves, to the commission to proclaim the gospelMark wanted to force his readers “to reflect on the future response
of Jesus’ followers, including themselves, to the commission to proclaim the gospel and to think for themselves the gospel's challenge.” (Boomershine/Best)
"The readers are to complete the story by “their dramatic participation
in its conclusion. ” (Magness)
With the shorter ending we are left in the time in between Jesus' death and resurrection. I am sure the disciples were still in shock especially because there view of they type of Messiah Jesus would be was shattered. Whether it was the women fleeing the empty tomb bewildered and afraid, or the disciples locked behind doors for fear of Jews, Mark's ending gives us insight into this anxious moment.
One of the things I love about the bible is that it is not tidy. The abrupt ending gives the bible. After all "Hollywood" would have never scripted it this way. We like ending where we all feel good and go home. Ironically I have quite enjoyed movies where this is not clarity at the end of the movie. It leaves me somewhat unnerved but also cause me to engage more deeply in the possible outcome.
Though we have been left the other gospel accounts where we are reassured of Jesus' resurrection by his appearance to his disciples and even eating a meal with them, Mark helps us to participate in the "in between" time.
In a sense we are living in the "in between" times. Though Christians have faith in the central story of Jesus' death and resurrection and the promise of his coming again; we still sometimes leave the empty tomb bewildered and afraid. We wonder is it really true what He said? Will he come back again in great and promised glory? When I die will I meet him like the disciples did?
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