Faith Over Fear

Mark 16:1-8

Series: “He Is Risen Indeed”

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

If Christ is not risen, our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14).

1 Corinthians 15:14 KJV

14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

But if He is risen, everything changes!

This series will take us through five different eyewitness accounts of the resurrection, and will take us right up to Easter Sunday.

We will see how different people encountered the risen Christ and how their lives were transformed.

Each of these accounts challenges us not only to believe in the resurrection but to let that belief shape how we live.

Today, we begin with the very first reaction to the resurrection—the empty tomb.

Let’s set the scene here.Setting the Scene

Imagine this scenario: You wake up one morning, and as you scroll through the news, you see a shocking headline:

“Local Man Pronounced Dead Three Days Ago Has Just Been Seen Alive!”

How would you react? Skepticism? Curiosity? Fear?

The idea of resurrection is radical.

We understand life.

We understand death.

But life after death? That’s a different story.

The women at the tomb on that first Easter morning were struggling with the same problem.

They had seen Jesus crucified.

They had watched as His lifeless body was taken down and placed in a tomb.

Now, they were coming to anoint His body, expecting to find death—but they found an empty tomb instead.

This moment brought them face to face with a challenge to their faith: Would they believe what they could not see?

Jesus’ resurrection requires faith in the unseen.

Many people today struggle with this same decision:

Do I believe in what I can’t see?

Do I believe in the testimony of those who came before me?

Do I believe that Jesus is truly alive?

This is the core question of Christianity.

No matter how many eyewitnesses testify, each of us must personally decide—

Do I believe that Jesus is risen or not?

Today, as we look at Mark 16:1-8, we will see how fear and faith collided at the empty tomb.

The same call that went out to those first witnesses is the call that comes to us today:

Will you let fear silence you, or will you let faith move you to action?

I. The Women’s Purpose

A Mission of Mourning

1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. 2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. 3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

A. Their Expectation

What was their expectation? Seeking the Dead, Not the Living

These women were devoted followers of Jesus.

They had witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings, and believed in Him as the Messiah.

Yet, on this morning, they weren’t expecting a resurrection—they were coming to care for a dead body.

Verse 1 tells us They brought spices to anoint His body, following Jewish burial customs.

They had faith in Jesus, but their expectations were too small.

How often do we approach Jesus expecting too little?

Many Christians today live as if Jesus is still in the tomb—defeated, powerless, and absent—instead of living in the power of His resurrection.

Have you ever been to an event expecting one thing and experiencing something entirely different?

Imagine showing up at a funeral, only to be told, “Oh, the person you’re looking for is alive!”

B. Their Problem

They knew they would have a problem —The Stone Stands in the Way (v. 3)

As they walked to the tomb, they realized this serious obstacle—

“Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?”

The stone was massive, far too heavy for them to move.

They were worrying about something that God had already taken care of!

We do the same sometimes don’t we!

We focus on obstacles instead of trusting that God is already at work.

We let fear, doubt, and circumstances keep us from experiencing the power of Christ.

The disciples had a similar moment when they feared the storm on the sea—only to find out that Jesus had power over it (Mark 4:35-41).

Mark 4:35–41 KJV

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

These women were worried about a stone that was already rolled away.

What they found at the tomb was not a problem, but a proclamation!

What happens next changes everything—because the tomb is empty!

II. The Angel’s Proclamation

A Message of Hope

4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. 5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. 6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. 7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

A. The Empty Tomb

There Was A Surprising Discovery

4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. 5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Their greatest concern—the massive stone—had already been taken care of!

They expected a sealed tomb, but they found an open door.

Many people approach Christianity with barriers in their minds—doubts, fears, or intellectual concerns—only to discover that God has already removed the obstacles!

The veil in the temple was torn at Jesus’ death (Mark 15:38).

Mark 15:38 KJV

38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Now, the stone was rolled away—God had removed every barrier between us and Him!

5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Instead of finding Jesus, they found an angel, described as a “young man in white,” a symbol of holiness and divine presence.

Fear was their immediate response—just like many in Scripture who encountered angels (Luke 2:9, Daniel 10:7).

Imagine walking into a graveyard expecting to find a loved one’s headstone, but instead, an angel appears to tell you something unbelievable!

Fear is a natural response to divine encounters, but God does not want us to remain in fear—He calls us to faith.

B. The Encouraging Words

“He Is Risen!”

6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. 7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

The angel first calms their fear—“Be not affrighted.”

Then he confirms their expectations—“Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified.”

Then he declares the greatest news in history—“He is risen; he is not here!”

The resurrection of Jesus is not just a doctrine—it’s a reality that demands a response!

If you received news that someone paid off all your debts, you wouldn’t sit still—you would respond with joy and gratitude!

The resurrection means that sin has been paid for, death has been defeated, and eternal life is secured for those who believe!

1 Corinthians 15:17 KJV

17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

C. The Great Commission

“Go Tell the Disciples”

7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

The angel gave them a mission: Go and tell!

Why mention Peter separately?

Peter had denied Jesus three times (Mark 14:66-72).

This was a personal invitation—God was not done with Peter.

No matter your past failures, Jesus restores and calls you back!

The year was 1862, and the American Civil War was raging. Union troops were retreating in disarray after the Seven Days Battles—a brutal series of clashes near Richmond, Virginia. Fear swept through the ranks as exhausted soldiers, overwhelmed by the Confederate assault, abandoned their weapons and fled. Rifles, ammunition, and supplies were discarded along the road as men who had once sworn loyalty to the cause now sought only to save themselves.

In the midst of this chaos stood a 12-year-old drummer boy named Willie Johnston. He had no weapon, no rank, no great stature—but he had something many of the full-grown soldiers had lost: faithfulness to his duty.

As men ran past him, throwing down their gear, Willie clung to his drum. The drum was more than just an instrument; it was his responsibility, the heartbeat of his regiment. It was his post, and he would not abandon it.

By the time the battered Union army had reached safety, nearly every man had lost his musket. The disarray was humiliating. But when the army was called to assemble, only one soldier still carried his instrument of war—Willie Johnston and his drum.

When President Abraham Lincoln heard of this young boy’s steadfastness, he was deeply moved. Instead of punishing the deserters, Lincoln chose to honor the one who had remained faithful. He awarded Willie Johnston the Medal of Honor, making him the youngest recipient in American history.

Peter, too, was a soldier of sorts—a disciple called to follow Jesus and stand by His side.

He had made bold claims of undying loyalty, even swearing, “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended” (Matthew 26:33).

Yet, when the battle came—when Jesus was arrested and taken to trial—Peter, like the soldiers at the Seven Days Battles, deserted his post.

He denied his Lord, not once, but three times (Mark 14:66-72).

And just as the Union army retreated in disgrace, Peter fled in bitter sorrow, ashamed of his failure.

But just as Lincoln did not define the Union Army by their moment of fear, Jesus did not define Peter by his failure.

After His resurrection, Christ personally restored Peter, giving him a second chance and a renewed calling (John 21:15-17).

John 21:15–17 KJV

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

The deserter became a leader, a preacher, and a bold proclaimer of the resurrection.

Many of us have moments where we fail in our faith—where fear overtakes us, and we shrink away from standing for Christ.

But Jesus is not finished with us when we fail.

Just as Lincoln honored the young drummer who stood firm, Christ extends grace and restoration to those who return to Him.

The question is not whether you have failed.

The question is: Will you return?

The empty tomb is not just an announcement of resurrection—it is an invitation to redemption.

Instead of punishment, Peter received grace!

The women came to the tomb with grief, but they left with a message of hope!

However, their immediate response was not boldness, but fear.

What happens next shows how human reactions often collide with divine truth.

III. The Women’s Panic

There is a A Moment of Fear

8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.

A. Their Fear Overwhelmed Them

These women had just received the greatest news in history—Jesus had risen!

But instead of immediately rejoicing, they were filled with fear and fled the tomb.

Why were they afraid?

The supernatural experience – Seeing an angel and hearing a divine message was overwhelming.

The challenge of belief – Resurrection was an entirely new reality; their minds struggled to comprehend it.

The weight of responsibility – They had been entrusted with a message that would change the world, and that was a heavy burden to carry.

Fear can often paralyze us from doing what God calls us to do.

We hear His truth, we know what we should do, but we hesitate because of uncertainty, doubt, or fear of others’ opinions.

Many people experience fear when given a great responsibility.

Consider someone receiving a job promotion—exciting, but suddenly they realize, Am I really ready for this?

That’s how the women felt—overwhelmed by the weight of what they had just witnessed.

B. Their Silence

The Tension Between Fear and Faith

The angel had told them to go and tell (v. 7), but their initial reaction was to say nothing.

This creates a striking contrast—they had the best news ever, yet fear caused them to hesitate.

Many believers struggle with the same thing.

We know Jesus is alive.

We know the Gospel is true.

But we remain silent out of fear of what others might think.

The disciples had also hidden in fear after the crucifixion.

John 20:19 KJV

19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Even when the truth is known, fear can keep us from sharing it.

C. Fear Must Give Way to Faith

Thankfully, this moment of fear was not the end of their story!

Matthew 28:8 clarifies that they did eventually go and tell the disciples.

Matthew 28:8 KJV

8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Fear did not have the final word—faith took over.

The resurrection calls us to move from fear to faith.

Fear silences us, but faith emboldens us.

Fear says, What if they don’t believe me?

Faith says, What if they do?

On June 6, 1944, the world witnessed one of the most significant military operations in history—D-Day. Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, breaking through the German defenses in a battle that would turn the tide of World War II.

The landing itself was a success, but for the soldiers on the ground, the battle was far from over. Gunfire filled the air, explosions shook the ground, and chaos surrounded them. Some troops, overwhelmed by fear, hesitated—frozen in place, unsure whether to press forward.

But those who pushed ahead, despite their fear, secured the victory. They understood that the hardest part had already been won—the beachhead was established, and the enemy was retreating. But if they had stayed frozen in fear, the battle would have stalled.

The empty tomb is our D-Day. Jesus has already won the victory over sin and death. The hardest part—His crucifixion and resurrection—is complete. The stone has been rolled away. The battle has been decided. But we still have a mission.

Like those soldiers, we can either hesitate in fear or press forward in faith.

The women at the tomb were afraid at first, but eventually, they stepped forward and shared the good news.

We, too, are called to move beyond fear and boldly proclaim that Christ is risen!

The war is already won.

The only question is: Will we press forward?

The women started in fear but ended in faith.

The resurrection demands a response:

Will you remain silent in fear, or will you proclaim the good news with faith?

The choice is ours, just as it was theirs.

Conclusion

The women at the tomb had just witnessed the greatest moment in history—Jesus had risen!

But their first reaction was fear.

They fled, silent and trembling, unsure of what to do next.

That moment reflects a choice we all must make:

Will we allow fear to keep us silent?

Or will we let faith move us to action?

Fear is natural.

But faith must be greater than our fear.

The same Jesus who conquered death calls us to believe and proclaim the good news.

Imagine if those first witnesses had stayed silent forever.

Imagine if the disciples had never shared the resurrection.

We wouldn’t be here today.

But they chose faith over fear, and because of that, the message of Christ spread across the world—and it reached us.

Now it’s our turn.

Maybe you’ve been hesitant to share your faith.

Maybe fear has held you back from fully trusting Jesus.

Maybe today, you’re standing at your own “empty tomb” moment, needing to decide: Will I believe? Will I step forward?

The angel’s words still echo today: “He is risen!”

That truth is not just for history—it’s for you.

The tomb is empty.

The victory is won.

What will you do next?