The Empty Tomb
Opening Prayer
Jesus Christ, I praise You that You defeated death and rose to life so that I too can be raised to life with You.
Read Mark 16:1–8
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1] 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?” [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. [7] 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. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Have you ever felt like you were facing an impossible situation?The women have been so loyal to Jesus throughout his trial, crucifixion and now his burial. Theywant to complete the anointing of his body, but they don’t feel strong enough to move the stoneat the entrance to the cave. In no way are they prepared for what they see and hear. There is ayoung man—an angel—with God’s message: “He has risen! He is not here.” The angels haddeclared the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:10–12), and they would also declare his ascension (Acts1:11). Jesus’ life, death and resurrection may be beyond human reason, but they are not beyondheavenly revelation.The women see the place where Jesus’ body had been laid. No one has stolen the body. Therecan be only one answer—Jesus is alive. But the women, having been told to go and tell thedisciples, and especially Peter—what a mark of the Lord’s grace to this man!—leave trembling,bewildered and afraid. Yet Jesus had promised that after three days he would rise again from thedead (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34). God has kept his promises. Jesus is alive today—hallelujah! It isthe start of a whole new relationship with Jesus and ministry for the disciples, as they travel toGalilee and then into all of the world.The women have been so loyal to Jesus throughout his trial, crucifixion and now his burial. They want to complete the anointing of his body, but they don’t feel strong enough to move the stone at the entrance to the cave. In no way are they prepared for what they see and hear. There is a young man—an angel—with God’s message: “He has risen! He is not here.” The angels had declared the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:10–12), and they would also declare his ascension (Acts 1:11). Jesus’ life, death and resurrection may be beyond human reason, but they are not beyond heavenly revelation. The women see the place where Jesus’ body had been laid. No one has stolen the body. There can be only one answer—Jesus is alive. But the women, having been told to go and tell the disciples, and especially Peter—what a mark of the Lord’s grace to this man!—leave trembling, bewildered and afraid. Yet Jesus had promised that after three days he would rise again from the dead (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34). God has kept his promises. Jesus is alive today—hallelujah! It is the start of a whole new relationship with Jesus and ministry for the disciples, as they travel to Galilee and then into all of the world.
Apply
Do you have trouble believing the promises the Lord has given to you? Ask God to help you believe him more fully.
Closing prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You are the God of the impossible and that You always keep Your promises.
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