Mark 16:10
And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
Mark 16:10 (KJV)
Context
This verse belongs to the resurrection narrative in the Gospel of Mark. In the preceding verses, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb early in the morning to anoint Jesus’ body. They found the stone rolled away, and a young man in white told them Jesus had risen. In Mark 16:9, Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene. Then, in verse 10, she goes and tells those who had been with him what she had seen and heard.
The Gospel of Mark is the second book in the New Testament and is believed to have been written by John Mark, a companion of the apostle Peter. Mark’s Gospel emphasizes the actions and deeds of Jesus, portraying Him as the suffering servant and stressing the urgency of discipleship.
Meaning
The phrase “them that had been with him” refers to the disciples and followers of Jesus—those who had traveled with Him, heard His teaching, and witnessed His miracles. This includes the inner circle of Peter, James, and John, as well as the wider group of believers. Mary’s action is a direct response to the angel’s instruction to tell the disciples, as recorded in Mark 16:7.
The verse notes that these followers were mourning and weeping. Their grief reflects their deep sorrow over Jesus’ crucifixion and death. Mary’s message about the resurrection would bring both surprise and hope, providing a turning point in their sorrow and transforming their grief into joy.
Biblical connections
Mary Magdalene’s role as a witness to the resurrection is significant. She had encountered the risen Jesus herself, as stated in Mark 16:9, and she became the first messenger of the resurrection to the disciples. Her testimony played a crucial part in conveying the good news of Jesus’ victory over death.
The disciples’ mourning and weeping show the human reality of grief even in the face of the resurrection promise. This verse sets the stage for their eventual encounter with the risen Christ and their commissioning to preach the gospel, which follows in Mark 16:15.
Application
Mark 16:10 highlights the importance of sharing the Gospel message, especially with those who are grieving or in despair. Mary did not keep the news to herself; she went and told others. Believers are encouraged to follow her example by bearing witness to the risen Christ and bringing hope to those who mourn.
The verse also reminds readers of the transformational power of Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples’ mourning and weeping would soon be replaced by joy and hope as they came to understand the reality of the risen Christ. This passage encourages believers to find solace and comfort in the resurrection and to share this message with others.
Reflection
It is worth noting that Mark 16:9-20, which includes this verse, is a debated section among biblical scholars. Some manuscripts do not contain these verses, and others include alternative endings to the Gospel of Mark. However, this does not diminish the theological significance of the resurrection or the impact it had on the early Christian community.
Mary Magdalene’s faithful witness stands as a model for all who follow Christ. Even when circumstances seem dark and sorrowful, the resurrection brings hope that transforms grief into joy and compels believers to tell others the good news.
