The Last Call of Jesus. By Dr Chapman Chen
- Chapman Chen
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
In Mark 16:15 (NIV), immediately before His ascension, Jesus gave the last briefing to His disciples: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
This verse has profound theological implications that extend beyond human salvation, offering a strong foundation for a Christ-centered vegan and animal-friendly ethic.
1. "All Creation" Includes Animals
The Greek word for “creation” (κτίσις, ktisis) does not refer exclusively to humans but encompasses all living beings and the natural world.
Strangely, Paul the anti-vegan apostate also says that the whole creation has been groaning and yearning for liberation:
1.1. The Groaning Creation Mentioned by Paul
For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up It turns out that Paul employs Jewish apocalyptic, cosmological imagery as a foil to sell his theology that human suffering is insignificant compared with the glory awaiting the followers of his camp. In this vein, Paul states that the prerequisite for creation liberation is “to be brought into the freedom… of the children of God”. But how can animals enter that freedom when, acc. to Paul, animals are not children of God (Rom 8:14–17; Gal 3:26). So in Paul’s theology, the term exclusively refers to believers incorporated into Christ.
That being said, Paul inadvertently or unintentionally told the truth about animal suffering. The whole creation in terms of the entire animal kingdom is really subjected to frustration by the will of evil humans, and it is really groaning and longing for liberation. 3 trillion innocent creatures are tortured and murdered by humans on an annual basis.
1.2. The Groaning Creatures in Other Bible Verses
This grim phenomenon is actually reflected in other biblical verses. For instance,
“How the beasts groan! The herds of cattle are perplexed because there is no pasture for them; even the flocks of sheep suffer.”(Joel 1:18)
“Even the beasts of the field pant for you” (Joel 1:20)
“And every creature (ktisma) which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” (Revelation 5:13)
The last passage is the closest place where animals are explicitly included in redemption.
1.3. Implication for Veganism:
If the Gospel is for all creation, then humans should act as compassionate servants, reflecting God's mercy toward animals. A Gospel that brings suffering to animals (such as factory farming) contradicts the message of love and redemption.
2. Jesus' Compassionate Nature Extends to Animals
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus exemplifies compassion, which aligns with veganism:
He defends the weak: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt 25:40).
He values all creatures: “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?” (Luke 12:6).
He liberates animals from the Temple, objecting to their suffering (John 2:14-16).
2.1. Implication for Veganism:
The Gospel cannot be preached while ignoring cruelty. If we are to preach to all creation, we must treat animals in ways that reflect Christ’s love, not exploit them.
Preaching the Gospel should include ethical living, meaning not supporting industries that inflict suffering on God's creatures.
3. Restoring the Edenic Vision: A Future of Peace for All Beings
In Genesis 1:29-30, God’s original diet for humans was vegan.
Isaiah 11:6-9 describes a future of peace where animals will no longer suffer or be prey:
"The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat... They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain."
3.1. Implication for Veganism:
If God’s ultimate plan is a world of peace between humans and animals, then we should strive to live according to that vision now. Veganism anticipates and embodies the coming Kingdom of God, where suffering will end.
4. Jesus’ Teaching of Compassion Applies to Animals
Matthew 9:13: "I desire compassion, not sacrifice.“
John 10:11: “A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”
Proverbs 12:10: "The righteous care for the needs of their animals."
4.1. Implication for Veganism:
Jesus rejects unnecessary suffering, and this should extend to animals. Sacrificing animals for food is unnecessary and contradicts His call for mercy. The most merciful lifestyle is one that does not exploit animals—veganism.
5. Conclusion: Mark 16:15 Calls for a Gospel of Compassion
✔ Jesus commands us to bring Good News to ALL creation, including animals.
✔ If the Gospel means liberation, we should not enslave animals in factory farms or anywhere else.
✔ God's future Kingdom is one of peace—why not live that way now?✔ A vegan lifestyle aligns with Jesus’ teachings on compassion, love, and justice.
Comments