Lesson 2496

(Lesson 2496)(10-19-18) Mark 16:14-20
    “Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 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. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”
Matthew 28:16-20
     “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

   For today’s lesson, I have posted both the Matthew account of Jesus’ last instructions to His apostles, as well as the Mark account of those same instructions.
    The purpose for this comparison is to relate the differences and similarities within the wording of the two individuals accounts of the same event.
    As we can easily see that in the comparison, although the wording is significantly different, both accounts relate the same intent. That intent being that the apostles, (and today, all Christianity) were/are to preach the word of God to every person who is willing to listen. (We are NOT, however, to waste our time with those who refuse to listen.)
    If, through our teaching, some lost souls come to be immersed (baptized), NOT into water, but rather into the saving grace of God, through faith in the Holy Triune, and the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, those lost souls WILL inherit everlasting life.~