THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 16:1-8
“Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen!” (Mark 16:6)
And here we have the Easter joke!
No, I’m not saying the resurrection is JUST a joke.
The joke is on Satan, who thought he had won.
Mark seems to end his version of Jesus’ life with a quick ‘punchline’ conclusion.
The extra verses (vv.9-20) were likely added by later readers who thought Mark did not finish well.
But Mark’s main point is not the time before Jesus’ ministry, nor the time after the resurrection.
They’re important, but they are not his point.
This guy from Nazareth is the Messiah, as proven by His resurrection.
The resurrection is the plot twist, the turning point of history.
“If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. ” (1 Corinthians 15:14,17)
The resurrection is so unexpected, that Mark leaves the women trembling, bewildered and afraid.
In one sense, we all should be.
Many Christians take the resurrection for granted, or think little about its significance.
Everything depends on it!
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:19)
What better ending to the story is this punchline: He is risen!
The joke is on Satan!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, because of You I believe in the resurrection of the dead. Because You live, we can face today, tomorrow and forever. This puts a smile on my face!
Observations/Application
Words of life.
I have been to funerals and if one looks at the body long enough one thinks at times it is breathing. That was my experience with the bodies of my parents. Hopeful and then the reality.
Going to anoint the body and . . . what no body?
I too would be trembling and bewildered for the reality of it all says impossible.
Yet a few days ago there were dead men walking. I would tremble seeing that.
Why not now – a dead man walking?
That’s not reality.
Hearing, they did not hear Jesus.
Hearing, they did not hear the angel.
They were like Thomas – believing only when seeing.
Jesus was victorious.
He is risen
and
I too must proclaim
My Lord and My God.
Not seeing – just believing..
Up from the grave he arose;
with a mighty triumph o’er his foes;
he arose a victor from the dark domain,
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!