He is Risen! – Resurrection Sunday – Mark’s Gospel chapter 16 verses 1 to 8
How does the resurrection speak hope into my life?
Put yourself In the disciples’ shoes.
Doubt and Devotion
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’
Mark 16:1-3
These devastated but devoted women were not expecting an empty tomb. Yet their devotion overcame fear and shame and brought them to the tomb of the most hated man in Israel, guarded by soldiers. They wondered who could move the stone. Believers are not immune to doubt. That is a myth.
The Rolled Stone and the Risen Lord
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed 6 ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Mark 16:4-6
They were looking for Jesus, but were surprised. “ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”.Jeremiah 29:13
If He had not been raised then fear, doubt and guilt would be all we have, hopeless. No resurrection means no hope. Romans 3:23-24 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Because of the resurrection a sinner becomes a son or daughter of God. Another myth: Christians are those trying to be good enough to go to heaven.
Fear & Courage
But go, tell his disciples and Peter, “He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”’ 8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
Mark 16:7-8
… “And Peter”.. Lest Peter say, ‘I’m not his disciple, he wouldn’t want me, I denied him’. Sin and failure are not final. Because of the resurrection of Jesus there is real hope, all can be washed clean. No need for fear. “Peace be with you”. He is more patient than we can imagine. Hebrews 2:11 “he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters “ Then we dare not, need not, lead timid and fearful lives.
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
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