Mark 16:17-18

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17-18 RSV).

Question:

Along with the interpretation, I would like you to explain how we obtain the supernatural power that was demonstrated by the Jesus Christ and his followers in the bible?

Comment:

 It is universally recognized that Mark 16:9-20 was not a part of the original text and could not have been written by the same author. Earliest versions of the Gospel end at 16:8, and apparently, someone at some point decided that more information was needed about post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. 

Still, the passage was included as Scripture, so its spiritual meaning, if not its authenticity, can still be appreciated. Jesus is speaking as the full embodiment, the complete expression, of the Christ—the indwelling divine identity that he calls us to find in ourselves and express in our lives. As the Christ, nothing in the illusive world of duality can negatively affect us—not demons, languages, snakes, poisons or illness. It's spiritually essential that we recognize this innate spiritual potential. It's also important, of course, that we recognize we are not consistently expressing our Christ Consciousness, so a healthy respect for snakes, poison and the like is also important. They cannot affect our true and eternal spiritual life, but they can definitely affect our human life experience.

As to how we “obtain” the power, we don't have anything to obtain. The power is innate within us as part of our spiritual identity. Jesus was known to grow impatient with those of his followers who were more interested in effect than in embracing the underlying cause. If we focus on affirming and expressing our Christ nature, the power we need will be there when we need it—not as parlor tricks or “test” of faith, but as steps in the accomplishment of our spiritual purpose.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed