SCRIPTURE: Mark 16:1-8
OBSERVATION:
The disciples were not expecting Jesus to come back to life, as far as they were concerned their dream had died.
Surprise! The heavy stone is rolled away, someone is sitting in the tomb, Jesus’ body is not there, Jesus is alive and will meet them in Galilee – not your typical day!
The young man in bright white robes, why didn’t Mark just say ”an angel”?
No wonder the women were silent, they were in shock.
APPLICATION:
Imagine myself going to church to prepare for a funeral service, finding the casket at the front of the sanctuary open and empty, and someone sitting there telling me the person is alive, not dead!
Death is the ultimate and final enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26), the person who could overcome death would truly be the ultimate and final Saviour.
This ending (v.8) seems incomplete, the women silent, in shock, no wonder a new ending was added (16:9-20).
This is either the greatest hoax or the greatest miracle, how does a person decide?
PRAYER:
Lord, sometimes the familiarity of this amazing event leads me to not appreciate it enough. Help me to experience some of the shock and wonder that You arose from the dead! Amen.
The women did not expect an open empty tomb. And seeing the angel instead of a body – shock and bewilderment. In their desire to show their love and respect for Christ Jesus, just as Nicodemus did, they stand dumbfounded. God’s messenger, once again gives the Good News – He is risen! And tell Peter. The women said nothing because of fear.
Our fears often hinder us from kingdom service. Yet Christ Jesus knows what we need and He supplies. Peter was mentioned specifically by the angel because he needed that encourgement. A repentent heart. Those in sorrow of their sin is a welcome sight to Jesus Christ.
An empty tomb. He is risen indeed! Help me Lord daily in my living for Jesus. Help me in my weakness. Increase my faith that the fears which are often so strong are dispelled. Speak to me Lord that I may speak boldy that Christ Jesus is my Redeemer, King.
Alive, alive, alive forevermore;
My Jesus is alive, alive forevermore.
Alive, alive, alive, forevermore.
My Jesus is alive.
Chorus:
Sing Hallelujah! Sing Hallelujah!
My Jesus is alive forevermore.
Sing Hallelujah! Sing Hallelujah!
My Jesus is alive! My Jesus is alive!