Mark 16 - 7.25.25

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

 “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.”

Observation:

The ladies had followed the soldiers and Joseph to see where they were burying Jesus.  They had to wait until the Sabbath was over to complete the traditional burial anointing.  They knew there was a large stone that they could not move themselves.  They wondered how they could move it, but went anyway.  They had faith and determination.

When they saw the stone was rolled away they looked in the tomb and saw an angel.  He mentioned Jesus by name and said, “He is Risen! He is not here.”  Then told them to go tell the disciples and Peter the news and to go to Galilee and they all would see him.  The ladies were so afraid they fled trembling and did not tell anyone immediately.  We know they did.  Mathew tells us as they decided to go, Jesus met them on the way, Mathew 28:9-10.  John’s Gospel in chapter 20:1-18 gives us even more details.  It states how Mary went and told the disciples.  John and Peter ran to the tomb. They see the angels and get the message that he is risen.  Mary followed them and after they left she cried at the tomb the angels asked her why.  Then she turns and Jesus is there.  She thinks he is the gardener.  He asked her the same questions, “Why are you weeping, whom are you seeking?”  He says her name and she realizes it is Jesus.

The ladies were being obedient to their custom and desiring to honor Jesus by anointing his body.  This would be impossible because of the stone and guards.  Maybe they though the guards would have pity and move it?  Going there with the guards there was a risk. They received a huge honor and blessing themselves.  They were the first to hear the news Jesus had risen from the dead and see Him themselves.

Application:

This is an excellent reminder that as Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Mathew 19:26

I want to remember when I purpose to obey and honor God, He will remove the things that appear to block my way.

Choosing to honor God will cause me to see him.  I may not see Jesus physically as the ladies did, but God’s presence and evidence of His working are all around us.  He also sends people to our aid as I’ve heard it said as Jesus with skin on.  

I want to walk in a way that acknowledges He is with me and be mindful of honoring Him.

Prayer:

Lord, Thank you for your presence being with me always.  You are able to remove any barrier .  Please help me to remember that and take steps of faith in the right direction even when it looks impossible.  Thank you for your Holy Spirit that leads and guides me.  Thank you that I can see your handiwork in creation and be reminded of your goodness.  

You have called me by name and have a plan for my life.  May my life be one that is determined to honor you, no matter the cost like Mary and the other ladies.

Amen

- Cindy Howard