SCRIPTURE: Mark 16:9-20

OBSERVATION:
This passage should be read as supportive of other more reliable passages. Most of it echoes what we read elsewhere. It was probably added later to fix the abrupt ending and fill in the missing details.
There is no other reference to handling snakes and drinking poison, so it is not accepted by most (there are some rare sects out there). It could possibly be read figuratively, for how we now have authority over the Serpent and his deadly lies (see Luke 10:19).
I like how v.20 mentions ”the Lord worked with them”, revealing that the early disciples understood themselves to not be on their own, saw themselves as partnering with Jesus. Luke hints at this when he says his account records ”all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven” (Acts 1:1-2).

APPLICATION:
There is a greater weight and authority to the other parts of the Bible over these poorly attested passages (see John 7:53-8:11, a more familiar, disputed passage). I read them as support for other passages, but not as a basis for faith and practice (handling snakes, drinking poison).
Everything I do as a Christ-follower depends on my confidence that Jesus is alive, that I am working with Him as I witness to the world. If He is not alive, then my faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:13-19), its whole morality is suspect (morality based on deception or delusion).

PRAYER:
Lord, I do have moments of doubt. Help me to trust that You are with me, but also allow me to experience Your presence with me and Your power at work in me. Amen.