Why Are You Afraid?

Fearless Witness: Proclaiming Hope from the Tomb

Bible Passage: Mark 16:1-8

Summary: In Mark 16:1-8, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome discover the empty tomb of Jesus after His resurrection. They are filled with fear but are given the message of hope by the angel to go and tell the disciples.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to confront their fears and embrace the call to evangelize. Just as the women were sent to share the good news despite their fear, we too can recognize that our testimony of Jesus can overcome personal insecurities and societal reservations about sharing faith.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that fear is a natural response but should not hinder our willingness to share the Gospel. We can find courage in the resurrection of Christ and the assurance of His presence as we witness to others.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Christ's resurrection is central—showing that death has been defeated and offering believers the promise of eternal life. This pivotal moment in the Gospels serves as the foundation for all evangelistic efforts, highlighting Christ's authority and power.

Big Idea: We can transform our fears into faithful witness by embracing the truth of the resurrection, which empowers us to share the message of hope and salvation.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Mark’s resurrection account and the implications of fear in evangelism. Using your Logos library, investigate commentaries that discuss the significance of the angel’s message and how it contrasts with social expectations at the time. Additionally, examining the Greek terms for 'fear' and 'trembling' may offer deeper insights into the emotional state of the women and their readiness for evangelism.

Opening: Obviously, they eventually said something to someone, or else we would not be gathered for this joyous remembrance. But fear is real! Fear of the opinions of others dictates much of how we act: peer pressure from High School grew up, too, and it wants you to remember that IT calls the shots!

After all, if you cannot speak, you cannot share! Paul wrote in Romans 10:14–17 “How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. But not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”

It really is that easy. For anyone. There is a story about a shy teenager who was invited to share her testimony at youth night. Fearing rejection, she almost backed out. But as she stood before her peers, she cracked a joke about her initial concerns, which lightened the mood, and then shared how God had been faithful in her life. Laughter broke down the barriers, and her vulnerability connected with everyone, showing that overcoming fear can transform our message!

Trans: Fear is where we start and end today. But, I hope you will find two different fears! One worthy of consideration and one worthy of rejection. We start with the women approaching the tomb.

1. Facing Fearful Obstacles

Mark 16:1-3

Fears: Will they let us see His body?

Who will roll away the stone if they do?

Mundane fears, but valid ones.

Role of women

Jewish/Roman relations

Jesus’ notoriety

Trans: At Valley Hope, we used to remind people that worry is a type of fear. It is fearing all the possible, and sometimes impossible, outcomes may happen. Fear builds up and manifests itself in inaction, apathy, and resignation. That’s why Bob Marley could paraphrase Jesus by saying, “Don’t worry, about a thing, ‘cause every little thing is gonna be alright!”

Worry is, essentially, fear that God won’t come through on “His end” of whatever we are worried about: bad weather, people getting sick, people forgetting; bad food, etc.

God tells us to trust in Him and His provision. Again, Jesus said, Matthew 6:34 “Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Jesus told us to trust Him. Even in the day to day piddlings of life!

2. Breaking Barrier of Doubt

Mark 16:4-6

So, they piddled along the road to the tomb. And, lo and behold, the stone was already moved away! Their two biggest fears: can we see Him, will someone roll away the stone, had already been address by God!

Worry is the least productive thing a person can do, yet it is also one of our favorite past-times, right up there with baseball! The women went to the tomb full of worry, and it was all for naught.

But, the very next thing, they meet a young man in a white robe. And they were amazed! The Greek word is “ekthambeo” and it means to amaze, distress, or frighten. They went from worry to astonishment. It would be like a jump scare in the middle of Bambi: terrifying!

But this man address their concerns. He gives God’s favorite commandment: Fear not! He reassures them that, though this is overwhelming, confusing, and a little bit terrifying, it was actually the best thing they could hope for! Like when the roller coaster comes to a stop: overwhelming, confusing, and a little bit terrifying and so glad the ride has stopped!

And the ride has stopped! Jesus is no longer present physically, but He has risen! He has defeated death! He has become the ultimate sacrifice and now He is back to lead His sheep toward blessings.

Trans: And then the angel (let’s call a spade a spade), gives them a command, a new order, “Go and tell.” You know, sometimes, that is the most terrifying thing we can do! Consider the story of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He faced immense fear in his fight for justice and equality. Despite threats to his life, he boldly preached the message of love and hope. Like King, we are called to step out in faith, even when fear threatens to paralyze us. His legacy reminds us that courage in evangelism can inspire change and touch hearts.

3. Trembling yet Trusting Testimony

Mark 16:7-8

Perhaps, emphasize the directive given to the women to 'go and tell.' Despite their trembling and astonishment, the angel entrusted them with the glorious news of resurrection. This reaction reveals the dual nature of fear: it can immobilize, but with divine prompting, it can propel us to bear witness. T

But that change can take time and prayer.T he initial silence of the women serves as a starting point for us to discuss how overcoming internal turmoil can lead to bold evangelism grounded in resurrection hope.

These women obviously debated amongst themselves. They most likely prayed for God’s direction, blessing, and courage. Then they shared with the Disciples.

That shouldn’t have been scary, but c’mon, we know it is. What if sharing with a friend makes them think we are a “religious nut” or they decide that they can’t be around us because we are “weird” or what if they laugh at us? We don’t want to lose connections with people, so we weaken our connection with God.

Just imagine if Jesus had decided that it would be too embarrassing to be crucified. That the Pharisees might laugh at Him. He might be ridiculed… Which in fact, he was, they did, and it was all for the Glory of the father!

Like David dancing before the Ark of the Covenant, indignity before humans sometimes is the best way to dignify God! But wait, before you strip down and dance for God in public… make sure that really is what God wants.

Because, God wants bold. He wants honest. He wants us to be not embarrassed by Him, but to proclaim Him in all things. To give Him glory in all things. To extol His Name in all things.

In Acts 4, Peter and John boldly proclaim the Gospel, even after facing intimidation from the authorities. They prayed for boldness, demonstrating that overcoming fear is rooted in reliance on God. That bears repeating, write this down, “overcoming fear is rooted in reliance on God!” It is a trust that no matter what happens, God will carry you.

When we too ask for His strength, we find the courage to share our faith—even in the face of opposition. Their example shows us that God equips us to overcome any fear in evangelism.

During the time of the Apostles, evangelism was often met with hostility. However, the Apostle Paul did not let fear dictate his actions. He traveled tirelessly, proclaiming Christ despite facing imprisonment and danger. His relentless spirit teaches us that, in evangelism, fear can either immobilize us or propel us to witness boldly. In our own lives, we should choose the latter and share our faith courageously.

It is still that way in much of the world. But here, in America, you are not likely to get beheaded or have your house burned down. You are not likely to be ridiculed in public and have all your assets taken away.

So, what are you afraid of? Share the Lord! Proclaim Jesus’ resurrection from the rooftops. And trust in God to do the rest.