Before we leave the commands of Jesus, let’s look at one more, with the verses which follow the command.

• Mark 16:15-18

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons;they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Assuming you have answered “Yes” to the first question in this study: “Are you a Christian?” , then you must be counted amongst “those who believe.” Do these signs accompany you?

How many demons did you cast out last week?

Last month?

Last year?

When did you last speak in a “new tongue”? Not just in your private prayers, but publicly for the glory of God.

Have you ever picked up a snake?

Do you think the Bible means this literally?

Read Exodus 4:1-4. How do you suppose Moses felt?

What was God trying to teach him?

Do you think that has any bearing on the verses in Mark?

Most people know that the serpent in the Bible represents sin, how does that affect your interpretation of these verses in Mark 16?

Do you think Jesus really expected His followers to be drinking poison?

The only other place we find the two words “deadly poison” together in the Bible are in James 3:8.

Does that verse affect your understanding of Mark 16:18?

You might also like to look up the use of the word “poison” in Psalms 140:3, quoted by St. Paul in Romans 3:13.

The “laying on of hands” which is Jesus’ last point in Mark 16 is slowly coming back into churches, but please note the positiveness with which He speaks, “They WILL get well”.

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