3-31-24 Sermon for Easter

Mark 16:1-8

This morning I'll be reading Mark chapter 16 verses 1 through 8. And I'll be reading from the Holman Christian Standard Bible. Mark 16:1-8 How many times have we read this story? Like the scripture from last Sunday,,, this is a story that should be familiar with everyone sitting here today,,, especially if you are a Christian. As this passage of scripture is read this morning,,, be aware of the presence,,, and,,, guidance,,, of the Holy Spirit.

Mark 16:1–8 (HCSB) — 1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. 3 They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” 4 Looking up, they observed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away. 5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; they were amazed and alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been resurrected! He is not here! See the place where they put Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there just as He told you.’ ” 8 So they went out and started running from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid. The word of God for the people of God,,, thanks be to God! God bless the reading and the hearing of your word this morning. Let us pray: Dear Lord,,, as we begin this morning,,, with everyone here today and all that are listening and watching by video,,, we ask that you open our ears to hear and our hearts and minds to receive the message that you have for us today,,, In Jesus' name I pray,,, Amen. ___________________________________ Last Sunday we looked at John 12:12-16,,, a typical Palm Sunday reading.

They were looking toward Jesus with their own ideas,,, or expectations,,, of what He was going to do,,, and that didn't fit God's overall plan.

The warning for us,,, is to be sure that we don't focus on our own ideas,,, or expectations of Jesus either!

God has a plan in place,,, and nothing will change the end result of that plan.

There might be things that we pray for that do not fit into that plan,,, and because of that we will think that God is ignoring our prayer,,, when He's actually working things out His way,,, and it may not be what we expect Him to do!

We must not get discouraged and lose sight of that,,, because we can see how quickly the cries changed from "Hosanna's",,, to "crucify Him",,, later in the week,,, when you continue reading past these verses!

Not that we would be saying "crucify Him",,, but we could still become dis-satisfied,,, or lose faith,,, when we think that we are being ignored,,, and God doesn't want that to happen!

We must always remember Isaiah 55:9 that says: Isaiah 55:9 “For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

I told you,,, this week we should take some time to worship,,, shout our own,,, "Hosanna",,, to The Lamb who saved us,,, the Prince of Peace who lives in us,,, and through us,,,

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords,,, that we worship today,,, and every day.

Celebrate,,, honor,,, and proclaim VICTORY,,, in His great name!

The Mighty name,,, of Jesus!

Because the people shouting that day were correct in their choice of words,,, just not the time,,, of application!

So you were encouraged,,, to give God the glory,,, as we began,,, this Holy week,,, of Easter!

This morning we will look at these verses in Mark 16:1-8,,, and see how they will help us in our walk with God this week.

___________________________________ Verses 1 through 3 said: 1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. 3 They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” Very early on the first day of the week,,, just after sunrise,,, the women went to the tomb. They left home while it was still dark,,, (we see this information in John 20:1),,, and they got to the tomb shortly after sunrise. Two of them knew that a large stone had been rolled in front of the tomb’s entrance (cf. Mark 15:47). Only Mark recorded their concern over the practical problem of getting it rolled back. Evidently they weren't aware of the official sealing of the tomb or the posting of a guard,,, as found in Matthew 27:62–66,,,, or,,, they figured that they would find a solution when they got there.

Scripture doesn't give us all of the answers. ___________________________________ Verse 4 said: 4 Looking up, they observed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away.

As they arrived at the tomb,,, imagine their surprise,,, at what they seen!

Looking up,,, they saw that it was already done!

How amazing is it,,, that when we are intent on honoring our Savior,,, the difficulties are removed ahead of time,,, just as the stone was rolled away before the women arrived.

When we put Christ first in our life,,, the way that we should,,, many of our problems could be taken care of before we even realize we have them!

We miss so many blessings,,, when we aren’t obedient the way that we should be!

___________________________________ Verses 5-6 said: 5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; they were amazed and alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been resurrected! He is not here! See the place where they put Him.

Entering the tomb,,, they saw an angel with the appearance of a young man in white.

He quickly reassured them with the announcement that Jesus had risen.

The tomb was empty.

Jesus is not here,,, see the place where they put Him!

___________________________________ Verse 7 said: 7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there just as He told you.’ ”

The women were given a job to do.

They were to go and tell Jesus’ disciples that they would be reunited with Him in Galilee.

The words,,, "and Peter",,, unique to Mark,,, are significant since much of Mark’s material likely came from Peter.

He was singled out,,, not because Jesus thought more of him than the other disciples,,, but because Jesus wanted him to know that he was forgiven and still included as one of the disciples,,, despite his denial of knowing Christ 3 times after Jesus was arrested (cf. 14:66–72).

The message that Jesus was going ahead of them into Galilee should remind them of the reunion He had told them about earlier,,, in 14:28.

His followers would see Him there which implies a Resurrection appearance,,, an example is also seen in 1 Corinthians 15:5.

This does not refer,,, as some say,,, to His second coming.

Jesus resurrection shouldn't have been unexpected,,, since He has told them before it happens,,, but the shocking turn of events probably helped them to forget many of the things that He had shared with them!

___________________________________ Verse 8 said: 8 So they went out and started running from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid.

The women fled from the tomb with mingled shock and panic.

They were too afraid to tell anyone what had happened.

This is not surprising.

It's amazing that they had been so brave,,, so loyal,,, and so devoted,,, despite the questions,,, as well as the danger they might have faced,,, as they carried out their duty,,, that was so important to them.

Of course we know that they eventually told the other disciples,,, and they were in disbelief and shock as well!

___________________________________ So we can see that the women have left the tomb,,, frightened,,, as well as overwhelmed with the news that they have just heard!

But what we need to focus on this morning,,, is the fact that these women were going to the tomb because of their love and devotion for Jesus!

They were doing this in spite of the possible danger of arrest and imprisonment!

Their love for Jesus has outweighed any danger that they think that they might face from anyone around them!

Whether it came from the Romans or the religious leaders,,, it didn't matter to them,,, at least as far as we can tell!

___________________________________ And by them ignoring the dangers that might have kept them away,,, the women have a special place in history of being the first to spread the news that Jesus is alive!

When they didn't let worldly thoughts and fears keep them from Jesus,,, they received an unexpected blessing.

We must learn from these women,,, and do whatever it takes to be in a position to be with Jesus,,, and we must remember that they did their duty thinking the worse,,, but they knew that it must be done!

Since they were there,,, at the tomb,,, not letting anything stop them,,, they are given the task,,, of telling the disciples,,, and Peter,,, that Jesus,,, is alive,,, He has risen!

___________________________________ My question for you this morning,,, are we going to do our job like the women that Easter morning,,, or,,, will we be like the disciples,,, scared,,, hiding,,, or,,, running away!

We have the same responsibility that the angel gave the women,,, we must tell others about our Risen Savior,,, and we can't do that while we are,,, scared,,, hiding,,, or,,, running away!

And that is what will happen to us if we let the thoughts of this world pull us down like satan wants to do!

We must rise above the challenges thrown around us that might keep us from Jesus Christ,,, and from telling others!

We can't hide behind the thought that we are too tired,,, too busy,,, not enough time,,, or any of the excuses that keep us from our time with God!

We must remember that we get our strength from our relationship with God,,, and we don't get that strength if we don't spend time with God the way that we should!

And if our relationship is lacking,,, we can't carry out the command that Jesus left us,,, in the first part of Matthew 28:19 where He said to,,,

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.

We have our orders,,, do we do our jobs because of obedience and love for God,,, as the women were doing that morning?

Or do we continue to make excuses,,, and let the ways of the world come between us and God?

You know what the answer should be,,, let God know the answer,,, and then let your life show the world,,, what your answer really was,,, and if you are truly obedient like the women that morning,,, others will see Jesus in you,,, and you will have done your job,,, in telling others,,, about Jesus!

___________________________________ If you feel like you aren't able to do the job that we are commanded to do,,, or do it in the way that you should,,,

Let me remind you that Jesus said that His presence is always available,,, but you have to make that choice.

It will not be forced on you,,, that is something that you must decide to do.

Let Him know how you are feeling,,, He will help you today to get that relationship back where it needs to be,,, all you have to do is go to Him,,, and He will show you what He wants you to do!

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If you have never made the commitment to allow Jesus to be your Personal Savior,,, please make that decision today.

We aren't promised tomorrow,,, so the choice must be made today.

We don't know the hour or the day when Jesus comes back nor do we know if we will be called home,,, we are just told to be ready.

And to be ready,,, you must have made the decision to follow Jesus,,, be sure that you have made that decision today!

___________________________________ So as we sing our final hymn,,, let me remind you that the alter is always open,,,

If you feel God speaking to you,,, don't hesitate to come,,, maybe you just have questions,,, God will answer,,, you just have to ask Him,,, whatever the need may be,,,

As we sing the final hymn,,, come if needed! ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Hymn: 337 - Oakdale Hymn: 337 - Seminary Benediction -----------------------------------------------------------