A surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a first jaw member defining a first longitudinal slot, a second jaw member defining a second longitudinal slot, and a first push rod member having a distally directed end pivotably coupled to the first jaw member and a proximally directed end pivotably coupled at a first pivot point. The surgical instrument additionally comprises a reciprocating member translatable distally and proximally through the first and second longitudinal slots, wherein the reciprocating member comprises a blade, a transverse element, and a first shoulder element coupled to and substantially perpendicular to the transverse element. Upon distal motion of the reciprocating member, the first shoulder element contacts the first push rod member to exert a force on at least the first jaw member causing the first jaw member to translate towards the second jaw member in a substantially parallel motion.