Regardless of whether you stop at [v.8] or [v.20], we can't lose what is Mark getting at. Mark wants to emphasize clearly that Jesus is alive! And that’s shocking! The Gospel is preached from the empty tomb that both received and gave up the Crucified One. (James Edwards) Astonishment at the work of Jesus is revealed throughout Mark’s gospel account. Because Christ has been raised physically, we also have confidence of being raised to new life when we believe.