Mark 16:18
“They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and commissioning them to go into the world and preach the Gospel. Let’s break down the different aspects of this verse and explore their meaning.
They shall take up serpents: This phrase has been a subject of much debate and interpretation among Christians. Some believe it to be a literal command to handle poisonous snakes without harm, while others see it as a metaphorical reference to overcoming evil or demonic influences. It’s important to note that the practice of serpent handling as a religious ritual is not endorsed or encouraged by mainstream Christianity.
If they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: This statement can be understood in a similar vein to the previous phrase. It is generally interpreted metaphorically rather than literally. It emphasizes the protection and preservation of believers as they go forth in obedience to Christ. It signifies that God has the power to shield His followers from harm and that their lives are ultimately under His divine care and sovereignty.
They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover: This part of the verse highlights the authority and power that Jesus imparts to His disciples to heal the sick. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus performing miraculous healings, and here He promises that those who follow Him will also possess the ability to bring healing to others. The act of laying hands on the sick is a symbol of transferring God’s healing touch and praying for His restorative power to work in the lives of those who are suffering.
It’s worth mentioning that there is a textual variant in Mark 16:9-20. Some early manuscripts of the Gospel of Mark do not include these verses, leading to differing opinions on their authenticity. However, many translations, including the King James Version, include them with a note regarding the manuscript evidence.
In conclusion, Mark 16:18 carries a message of empowerment and commissioning for believers. While some phrases may have metaphorical interpretations, the overall theme highlights God’s protection, His ability to work through His followers to bring healing, and His desire for them to proclaim the Gospel with faith and boldness.
