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This morning we are picking back up in our study of the Gospel of Mark.
If you’re new to our church, it would be good for you to know that we practice a form of preaching called “Expository Preaching”. What that means is we believe the Bible is best taught by taking books of the Bible and then studying them from beginning to end, chapter by chapter, verse by verse, in order to understand what they mean in our lives today.
With that said, for the last couple of years we have been walking through the Gospel of Mark. A Gospel that was written to teach us who Jesus is, what He came to do, and what it means to follow Him. And believe it or not, we are literally on the tail end of this study as we come to chapter 16 today, the final chapter of this amazing gospel. I know some of you never thought you would see the end. But here we are.
If you haven’t been with us, over the last few weeks we have been looking at the arrest, trial, and death of Jesus. A series of events that Jesus predicted three times in this Gospel. Events the followers of Jesus failed to either believe or didn’t want to believe would happen. Events that have left his followers stunned, discouraged, and hopeless.
And now with Jesus dead and in the grave, his followers have scattered. Some are in hiding, some mourn from a distance, and only a faithful few remain in this final hour.
As we said a couple weeks ago, this wasn’t how the story was supposed to end.
And the truth is, we’ve all been there. We’ve all been in that place of hopelessness:
Wondering where God is.
Unsure on how to move forward.
Wondering what tomorrow will bring, or even if there will be a tomorrow.
And unfortunately that’s where a lot of Christians find themselves when life goes sideways. All they can see is the tragedy.
All they can see is the marriage falling apart.
All they can see is the addiction getting the best of them, again.
All they can see is their loved one lying in that casket.
All they can see are the actions and consequences of a rebellious child.
All they can see is the diagnosis of cancer.
All they can see is their tragedy staring them in the face as hopelessness consumes them, fear overwhelms them, and uncertainty paralyzes them.
That’s where the majority of Jesus’s followers find themselves as we move into chapter 16 this morning. And maybe that’s where you’ve found yourself at different points in your life, and maybe find yourself this morning.
But the good news of the Gospel is that there is a chapter 16. Thankfully, chapter 15 wasn’t the end of the story. We have one more chapter to go. A chapter that is meant to give us hope in the midst of hopelessness.
So, in order to introduce this next chapter, and give us some framework to work with, I want to begin by asking you to consider a couple different scenarios.
Scenario #1: Imagine waking up this morning, turning on the news, and learning that an astroid the size of Texas is going to hit the earth today, and an estimated 1/3 of the world’s population is going to be wiped out along with most of the earths natural resources.
Let me ask you something, “Would news like that change the course of your life? Would it change your priorities? Maybe change your worldview? Maybe change future decisions?” Do you think news like that would change life on planet earth as we know it?
Illustration 2: Imagine as we’re sitting here in church today, we learn a nuclear missile has been launched at the US. Do you think that news would have an affect on us? Would the plans you had for today, this week, this month, and for the years to come drastically change. Do you think life on planet earth would change as we know it.
The reason I ask you to consider these scenarios, is because as we come to chapter 16, we come to an event of the same magnitude. Something is about to happen that is going to affect the entire world. Something that will impact the very fabric of our being. An event that will alter our worldviews, change our perspectives, and readjust our priorities. An event that will forever change how we view this life and the life to come.
But unlike an astroid or nuclear war, this event isn’t meant to cause panic and bring destruction. It’s not a cataclysmic event were talking about here.
Instead it’s an event that brings life. An event that brings hope. An event that has the ability to transform and renew our lives. So, what is this event?
It’s and event known as “The Empty Tomb”.
So, before we get to far into what this represents, let’s begin by illustrating the magnitude of this event. Let me explain it like this.
So, what is this event. It’s an event called “The Empty Tomb”. And to start with, let’s begin by illustrating the magnitude of this event. Let me explain it like this.
Illustration 2: The same would be true if while we were in church today, we were told a nuclear missile had been launched at the US. That would be a life changing event, right? An event that changed everything. News like that would cause you to leave here different than when you walked in. The plans you had for today, this week, this month, and for the years to come might drastically change. If a nuclear war took place today, life as we know it on planet earth would change forever. It would be a life altering event.
In a sense, that’s how impactful the Empty Tomb is. An event that affects of all mankind. An event that should change the way we live our lives. An event that should cause us to walk out of here different than we walked in. An event so impactful that it should forever change us.
A miraculous event meant to restore hope in the midst of hopelessness. A miraculous event meant to restore peace in the midst of chaos. A miraculous event meant to ultimately restore man’s relationship with his creator.
So, what is this event? Well, as I said, along with his death, Jesus predicted this event. So, in case you missed it like his disciples did, let’s take a moment and go back to the three occassions where Jesus predicted not only his death, but this life altering event.
For example, if you’re not a follower of Jesus, you would refer to this event as the “Empty Tomb”.
Beginning back in Mark writes:
And not just once, but three times. Listen to what Jesus says on each of these occasions. Back in Mark writes:
31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.
And in he writes:
30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.”
And again in Mark 10:
32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”
A few things I want you to notice about these three passages. First, notice in each passage, Jesus predicts his death. Now, when we read that, some might say, “So, what, big deal. Not super impressive. The truth is, we’re all going to die. Any of us could make that prediction.” And that’s true. I could stand up here and say, “I predict that someday I’m going to die.” And you’d all be like, “Tell us something we don’t know pastor.”
But notice as well, Jesus predicts how he will die. Maybe a little more impressive. None of us really know how we are going to die unless we’ve been forewarned. For example, if I stood up here this morning and said, “I predict that I’m going to die of cancer.” You’d all be like “Wow Pastor, how do you know that? Are you psychic? Did God reveal that to you? How could you predict that?” And I would say, “I know it because I went to the doctor last week he told me I have terminal brain cancer.” I know how I’m going to die because I’ve been forewarned.
And truth is, some could make the argument that Jesus had been forewarned. The reality is, Jesus probably had a good idea of how the religious leaders would try and take him out. From the beginning of his ministry they’d been trying to get him in trouble with Roman officials. There’s a good possibility that Jesus saw the writing on the wall. That he knew crucifixion was a good possibility for him. In a sense, he’d been forewarned.
As a result, some might say, “Ok, so Jesus predicted how he was going to die. Big deal. A lot of people have done that. Not super impressed?”
Well, if the prediction ended there, I would agree. But it doesn’t. Notice Jesus has one more prediction. A prediction that seems crazy and impossible. In fact, the prediction was so crazy, that Mark says it caused confusion for Jesus’s followers. Mark writes:
32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
In other words, the prediction of his death made sense. A lot of people wanted to kill Jesus. How he would die even made sense. They kept trying to trap him in his words. But this prediction actually seems a little crazy and impossible.
Now, you might says, “Yeah pastor, but Jesu
Because not only did predict he would die and how he would die, he also predicted that he would “rise again.”
In other words, Jesus says, “Listen, I’m going to die a horrific death at the hands of my enemies, but that won’t be the end of the story. After I’m killed, I will rise again. In fact, you can mark it on your calendar. Three days after I’m dead, I’ll be alive again."
Now that’s quite a prediction. How many people do you know have claimed they would come back to life after they died? Probably none. But Jesus says, “Mark your calendar, I’m going to conquer death.” Jesus says, “Get ready, my tomb is going to be empty.” That’s the life altering event we’er talking about. We’re talking about the resurrection of Jesus. And that is a life altering event.
And unfortunately that’s where a lot of Christians find themselves when life goes sideways. All they can see is the tragedy.
Because in that moment, all they can see is the tragedy.
All they can see is their marriage falling apart.
All they can see is the marriage falling apart.
All they can see is the addiction getting the best of them, again.
All you can see is the reality of living in divorce.
All they can see is their loved one laying in the casket.
All they can see are the actions and consequences of a rebellious child.
All they can see is the cancer.
In the midst of our addiction, it seems hopeless.
In the midst of
When
When our addiction gets the best of us.
All they can see is their tragedy staring them in the face as hopelessness consumes them, fear overwhelms them, and uncertainty paralyzes them.
When our kids rebel.
When our loved one dies.
So, we lose hope as we stand at the crossroads of d
As we stand at what seems to be a tragic end in our life, we forget what Jesus said. We forget what the Bible says. We forget that we don’t serve a God of hopelessness, but a God of hope.
And the truth is, in order to show us His hope, sometimes God has to take us to a place of hopelessness. A place where we come to the end of ourselves. A place where we have no choice but to depend on God and what His Word says.
That’s where these early disciples find themselves. They are in a place of hopelessness, fear, and uncertainty. They’ve forgotten what Jesus said. But whether they realize it or not, hope is around the corner. An event is about to take place that will change the trajectory of their lives forever.
And the good news this morning is, that this hope wasn’t just for them, it’s for us as well. This final predicted event can change the trajectory of our lives as well. This event has the ability to bring hope into hopelessness.
And not just any kind of hope. But a super natural hope. A hope that has the ability to bring hope to any and every situation in your life. A hope that has the ability to totally annihilate hopelessness.
And not just any kind of hope. But a super natural hope. A hope that has the ability to bring hope to any and every situation in your life. A hope that has the ability to totally annihilate hopelessness.
And what I’d like to suggest to you this morning, is that the hope we are going to discover today has the ability to bring hope to every situation in your life. That no matter what you’re facing, what we’re going to discover today has the ability to totally annihilate the hopelessness in your life.
Think of it like this. When it comes to your life, have you ever had an event take place that turned your world upside down. A circumstance or event that was a game changer. Something that changed your perceptions, your outlook, and maybe even what you believed about life.
Let me give you a couple examples of what I’m talking about:
Example 1 - Moms and dads, the moment you found out you were having a baby, that was a game changer, wasn’t it?
At the end of the day it changes everything. Because if Jesus comes back from the dead, then that means death isn’t the end. That when you die, you don’t die. And that my friends has life altering implications. And according to , it’s a prediction that came true.
I know, it’s doesn’t sound as impactful as an astroid the size of Texas or a nuclear missile. But I can promise you, it’s the most impactful event the world has ever seen. And if you’re open to it, an event that could radically transform your life forever.
So, with that as our basis, let’s find out more about this event as we come back to Mark’s Gospel today. Beginning in chapter 16:1, Mark writes:
Well, I’m here to tell you this morning that it’s not to good to be true. I’m here to tell you this morning that God has a game changing hope for you today. A hope that can change the way you view and live your life.
So, with that as our basis, let’s find out more about this event as we come back to Mark’s Gospel today. Beginning in chapter 16:1, Mark writes:
1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, 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 that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
That’s what we are going to talk about today. Because according to , it’s a prediction that came true. According to the Bible, Jesus rose again and never died again.
Mak 16:1-8
So, what does it change? That’s what we are going to look at today. Because according to , it’s a prediction that came true. And if it came true, if Jesus really did rise from the dead, then before you walk out of these doors this morning, you need to understand why this is a life altering event and what the resurrection of Jesus means for you. That being the case, that will be our focus this morning.
As you may have suspected, when we talk about the Empty Tomb, we are talking about the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. You may recall, on three occassions Jesus not only predicted his death, but he also predicted his resurrection. And according to our passage this morning, Jesus’s prediction has come true. Mark says, after three days, the tomb is empty.
That’s kind of a big deal, right? I mean if that’s true, shouldn’t that catch our attention? I think it should. In fact, before you walk out of these doors this morning, we need to understand what this life altering event means for us. That being the case, that will be our focus this morning.
Spiritual Truth: Hope is found in hopelessness
An event that declares the reign of death for mankind is over. An event that promises new life for those who put their faith in Jesus. An event that can bring hope in the midst of hopelessness. An event that declares the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave.
Now, before we get to far into explaining the passage, let me begin by addressing some viewpoints concerning the “Empty Tomb” and the resurrection of Jesus.
However, before we get into the passage, there are a few items we need to address.
So, what is this hope? It’s called “Resurrection Hope”. And to be honest, it’s a hope that is difficult to describe. Because there’s really nothing that compares to it.
First, the truth is, not everybody believes in the resurrection of Jesus. There are skeptics out there. Some see it as a scientific impossibility and can’t accept it. And to be honest, the resurrection of Jesus is difficult to prove. The fact is, nobody was there catching it on facebook live. There weren’t any CNN, Fox News or MSNBC reporters on the scene. So, for many people, without some kind of tangible proof, they struggle to believe it.
Second, because we lack physical proof, belief in the resurrection of Jesus will never be an act of reason, but an act of faith. It’s you and I putting our hope in something that’s not natural and that we didn’t see. In fact, that’s the very definition of faith. The writer of Hebrews says:
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
The resurrection changes our view of Jesus
In a way, it’s like the hope you have when you meet that person you’ve been looking for, and you commit your lives to one another.
So, for those of us who do believe in the resurrection of Jesus, we do so by faith.
Third, while there is disagreement concerning the resurrection of Jesus, nobody disagrees that the tomb was empty. That’s not disputed. The historical fact is, three days after Jesus died, his body was gone. Nobody disputes that, not even the enemies of Jesus.
We know this based on Biblical and secular evidence. Because apparently, at some point the religious leaders heard Jesus's prediction that he would rise from the grave, and it worried them. Why were they worried? Was it because they thought he might really rise? No. Matthew tells us why they were concerned. Matthew writes
62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
They’re concerned because they’re afraid Jesus’s disciples are going to steal the body, hide it, and then claim that Jesus rose from the dead. And they can’t let that happen.
64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
So, in order to prevent this scenario, they ask Pilate to put soldiers around the tomb to guard it until the three days has passed. And surprisingly, Pilate lets them. He tells them to take the soldiers and secure the tomb.
But apparently their efforts fail, because on the third day, the Bible says the tomb was empty. Matthew writes:
65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.
Matthew 28:2-
Matthew says on the day predicted by Jesus, there was an earthquake, an angel came out of the sky, the stone was rolled away, and the tomb was empty. And those present fell to the ground in fear like dead men.
And now Houston we have problem. First for the soldiers, and second for the religious leaders. For the soldiers, they now face a death sentence. Having failed at their post, they will be executed. For the religious leaders, the body of Jesus is missing. Now the disciples will be able to claim that Jesus has risen. So, what do they do? Matthew tells us:
Matthew 27:
after the tomb was discovered empty, the religious leaders made up a story. When it was discovered that the body was missing, those guarding the tomb went and reported it. Listen to what Matthew tells us about this:
12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
Let me explain it like this.
13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
Matthew says when the tomb was found empty, the religious leaders promised the soldiers they would cover for them, and they paid the soldiers to make up a story. They said, “When people ask you, tell them the disciples stole the body while you were asleep”.
14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
And Matthew says that’s the story that is told to this day. All that to say, nobody disputes that the body was missing. Three days after being put in the tomb, history and Jewish tradition tell us the body of Jesus was gone. Everybody agrees on that.
15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
Where the disagreement comes in is where did the body go. Those who don’t believe in Jesus say it was stolen. Those who do believe in Jesus say Jesus was resurrected.
So, whose right and whose wrong? And how do we know?
To be honest, my goal today isn’t to convince you that the resurrection took place. Like I said, believing in the resurrection of Jesus is an act of faith, not reason. But what I want to challenge you with this morning, especially for those who doubt, is to ask yourself this question, “What if you’re wrong?”.
In other words, what if Jesus did rise from the grave? What if his body wasn’t stolen? What has greater consequences? Believing or not believing in the resurrection of Jesus?
That’s what I want to challenge you with this morning. And to do that, I want to highlight three implications of the empty tomb. Three implications of a resurrected Jesus.
Now, you might be thinking, “Ok pastor, that’s great, but I’m a Christian, and I believe Jesus rose again. How does this apply to me? Is it nap time for me?”
No, it’s not nap time. And I’m glad you believe in the resurrection, but let me ask you this question, “Do you live your life like you believe that?” In other words, “Do you live your Christian life as if Jesus rose from the grave?”
For example, has your belief and knowledge of the resurrection of Jesus changed the way you live? Has it altered the way you think? Has it changed your perspective? Has it changed your morals? Has it changed your behavior? Has your belief in the resurrection of Jesus radically changed you?
Because if it hasn’t, if you’re living life in the same way as the person who doesn’t believe, if your life looks no different than the worlds? then maybe you don’t understand or believe in the resurrection like you think you do.
And maybe it would be good for all of us to get a better understanding of why and how the resurrection of Jesus should alter us. Would you agree?
So, with that as our basis, let’s get to our passage as Mark describes this life altering event. Going back to verse 1, Mark writes:
So, with that as our basis, here’s what I want to do. As we read through the passage, I want to identify
The women had been misguided in their seeking of Jesus. They came to anoint the body of a dead man, but Jesus was risen from the dead.
For example
Spiritual Truth: Hope is found in hopelessness
Nobody, not even the detractors of Jesus, dispute that the tomb was empty. ()
It’s not an empty tomb that gives evidence of the resurrection. It’s the divine revelation from the angel that confirms the resurrection.
First I want to
1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, 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 that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”
Mark 16::1-
1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”
So, with that as our basis, let’s get to our passage as Mark describes this life altering event. Beginning in verse 1, Mark writes:
Mark begins by once again highlighting the two Mary’s. You may recall, these two Mary’s were two of the four individuals present at the burial of Jesus. Along with Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, these two women made sure Jesus recieved a proper burial.
What’s interesting though, is having buried Jesus two days prior, they are now returning to the tomb. Why? Mark tells us.
He says they want to anoint Jesus. Which basically means they wanted to perform a spiritual custom of pouring oil on his head.
The question though is, “Why hadn’t they done this at his burial? Why two days later when the body would be in decay?” Well, as we learned, the burial of Jesus was unexpected and took place quickly.
It was unexpected because there was no certainty that Pilate would release the body.
It took place quickly because it was at the end of the day just before the sabbath started. If they didn’t get the body buried by dark, they would have to wait until after the sabbath.
Meaning, there wasn’t a lot of dilly dally in getting Jesus in the tomb. As a result, it’s quite possible the women didn’t have the oil with them or have access to it when Jesus was buried. So, now that the Sabbath is over, they make their way back to the tomb to finish what they started. But that leads us to another question.
“Why is Mark telling us this? Why this detail?” Well, there are a couple of points Mark is making here that will lead us to the first implication of the empty tomb.
First, Mark is once again establishing witnesses for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and the two Mary’s are two of his key witnesses. What’s interesting though is they aren’t the best witnesses, but they are. Let me explain what I mean by that.
Believe it or not, in the first century, the testimony of women was not accepted in Jewish courts. It was not seen as credible. They literally didn’t think women knew what they were talking about. I know, it’s completely sexist, but it’s how it was in the first century.
That being the case, why would Mark make them key witnesses? I mean if he wants people to believe that Jesus rose from the dead, why would he ask his first century audience to believe the word of two women?
He does it because if he
How about this. He’s using their testimony because it adds credibility to the story. IN other words, in a way it proves he’s not making this up.
Because if you’re going to make up a story like that, wouldn’t you use witnesses people would believe. But Mark doesn’t do that.
Think of it like this. If you were going to make up a story, the best way to get somebody to believe you is to give them credible evidence. Evidence that can’t be disputed.
But Mark doesn’t do that. He tells it how it happened. And by doing so he gives the story greater credibility.
The best way to not get them to believe you is to give them evidence that doesn’t hold water. So, if Mark is making this up, and he wants us to believe this story, he’s not doing a very good job. He used two women as witnesses. Which adds credibility that he’s not making this up. This is how it happened and who was there, it’s just the facts.
Second, in addition to establishing witnesses, Mark is highlighting the current view these two women have of Jesus. What’s their view? Their actions tell us.
What are they doing? They’re going to the tomb to do what? To anoint the body of a dead man. What that tells us is they’re not expecting Jesus to be alive. These women are on there way to anoint the body of someone they saw as mortal, not immortal. But their in for a surprise. Which lead us to the first implication and purpose of the empty tomb.
The empty tomb is meant to challenge our view of who Jesus is.
Mark writes:
1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”
You see, at this point, these two devoted followers only view Jesus as a man. Someone like you and me. We know this because they’re not going to the tomb expecting a promised and predicted resurrection. They’re conversation isn’t, “I hope Jesus didn’t sleep in. I hope he’s up and ready for breakfast.” No, their conversation is, “Whose going to roll the stone away so we can anoint his dead body?”
You see, at this point, these two devoted followers of Jesus still only view Jesus as a man. They’re not going to the tomb expecting a promised and predicted resurrection. They’re conversation isn’t, “I hope Jesus is up and ready for breakfast.” Their conversation is, “Whose going to roll the stone away so we can anoint his dead body?”
You see, like the rest of the disciples, these ladies haven’t fully grasped who Jesus is. Their view of Jesus is earthly and limited. But that’s about to change. Their view of who Jesus is about to be challenged.
And the truth is, that’s what the empty tomb is meant to do for all of us. It’s meant to challenge our view of Jesus. It’s meant to cause us to ask the question, “Who is he really?”
Because, if the tomb was empty, there’s only two options.
Either Jesus was just a man and the body was stolen.
Or he was something more, and he lives again.
The empty tomb stops us in our tracks and forces us to consider who Jesus is.
And depending on what you choose to believe, you either move forward with Jesus or you don’t.
Because if you’re unwilling to consider Jesus is something more, then for you he’ll only be a good person, or a good teacher that didn’t play it smart and died a horrific death.
And to be honest, that’s how a lot of people view Jesus. He was just a man, at most, a prophet. Just a historical figure.
But what if he was something more than that? What if the empty tomb is a sign that Jesus wasn’t like us? I mean since his name is still talked about 2000 years later, shouldn’t we at least consider the possibility that he was more than just a man?
If you’re not a believer this morning, that’s all I’m asking you to consider. That just for a moment you would entertain the idea that the empty tomb could mean something more. That just for a moment, you would open your heart and mind to the possibility that God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son.
And the reason I challenge you to do that, is because I believe if you would at least do that, God would show you more. That God would bring the confirmation that you need. That even if you were willing to show the smallest amount of faith, that it could lead to greater faith.
In Jesus puts it like this:
18 He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”
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Jesus says the kingdom of God begins like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds. But when planted becomes a fruitful tree.
If you struggle with the resurrection, my challenge is for you to at least consider that the empty tomb might mean Jesus is something more. My challenge is for you plant that seed in your heart, and then see what happens. See how God might work in you.
19 It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”
And to be honest, what do you have to lose. If nothing happens, if it doesn’t change anything in you, then you can go back to your old view of Jesus.
But I’m confident you’re going to be surprised. I believe God might show you something. How do I know? Because God’s Word, God’s truth is powerful. Isaiah writes:
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
So, I’m confident, if you would just be open to a little faith, you’re going to discover that Jesus actually is more than you thought he was. And all I’m asking is that you be open to that possibility.
I’m confident you’re going to discover that Jesus actually is more than you thought he was. And all I’m asking is that you be open to that possibility.
Now, for those of you who do believe in the resurrection, here’s my challenge for you. The truth is, a lot of Christians make the same mistake these two women made. How so? Like these women, in our approach to Jesus, we often have the wrong view of him.
I know this because to often I see Christians approaching Jesus with the same doubt, same fear, and same uncertainty. You see, for a lot of Christians, while they say Jesus is more, they don’t always act like it. To often their view of Jesus wobbles under pressure. Wobbles in the face of trouble. To often their view of Jesus is based on human perspective and reason.
And please hear me, when I say that, I’m not saying you don’t have faith in Jesus. What I’m saying is, sometimes you lessen who He is.
Because if you really understood who Jesus is, you would never doubt his ability to help you. You would never be fearful when life seems to be falling apart. You would never be unsure that God is in control. Because when you have the proper view of Jesus, you can have confidence to know that He has the ability to bring hope in the midst of hopelessness. The writer of Hebrews puts it like this:
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The writer says, “Jesus is more than a man. Jesus is the Son of God. So shed your fear, shed your doubt, shed your worry, shed your uncertainty. The tomb is empty. Stop living like your coming to anoint the body of a dead man and start living like you’re coming before a throne.”
You see, that’s the challenge for many of us as Christians. To see Jesus for who he truly is.
To see him as the one who can calm storms.
The one who heals the sick.
The one who raises the dead.
The one who has the power to come into our situation despite what our circumstances and bring hope.
Listen, the tomb is empty, and it’s empty because you serve a God of power and hope. A God who is not only alive, but alive in you. The Apostle Paul writes:
11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Paul says the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is living in you. The same resurrecting power that raised Jesus out of that tomb is now bringing life to you. That’s what the empty tomb offers you.
You don’t have to live in fear.
You don’t have to live in fear. You don’t have to live in sorrow. You don’t have to live in uncertainty. You don’t have to live in regret. Jesus has the power to set you free from all of that. But for that to happen, you have to view him for who He is.
You don’t have to live in sorrow.
You don’t have to live in uncertainty.
You don’t have to live in regret.
Jesus has the power to set you free from all of that. But for that to happen, you have to view him for who He is.
Let me ask you something, “Are you approaching Jesus with the right view? Are you truly seeing him as more. More than a man. More than a prophet. More than you’ve maybe made him out to be. Do you truly see him as the Lord He is?” And if not, are you willing to at least consider the possibility that he is who he says he is? That’s my challenge to you.
This leads us to the second implication of the empty tomb.
This leads us to the second implication of the empty tomb. Mark write:
1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”
The empty tomb is meant to reveal Jesus’s miraculous victory.
Mark writes:
4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large.
4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Mark says as the women approached the tomb, they saw something they didn’t expect. The stone they'd been worried about had already been rolled away. Did somebody beat them to the anointing? Did Joseph and Nicodemus come back to finish the job? Let’s find out. Mark continues:
5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed.
Mark 16:6-
Mark says as the women enter the tomb, their encountered by a young man dressed in a white robe. So, whose this young man? Well, based on the Greek Word that Mark uses for “young man”, is referring to an angel. A divine being.
So, why is an angel there? He’s there because he’s a divine messenger. In other words, this angel is there to reveal a divine truth. What’s the divine truth? Mark tells us:
The empty tomb is meant to declare the divinity of Jesus.
Mark writes:
6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Mark says as the women walk into the tomb, they’re alarmed. It’s the idea that they were “overwhelmed with wonder”. Why were they overwhelmed? Because they came expecting to find a dead body, but instead they find an angel. They weren’t expecting this.
Nobody, not even the detractors of Jesus, dispute that the tomb was empty. ()
4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
And seeing that they’re in a state of shock, the angels reveals the divine truth. He says, “Calm down. It’s ok. You’re looking for Jesus of Nazareth, right? The one who was crucified. He’s not here. He has risen. Check it out. He’s not where you left Him.”
On three occassions Jesus told his followers, “On the third day I will rise”. And now, standing in an empty tomb, an angel points at the place Jesus body once laid, and he says, “Look, he’s risen. The prediction has come true. Jesus isn’t in the grave any longer.”
Through divine revelation, these women not only come to terms with who Jesus really is, but that a miracle has taken place and he is alive. The grave couldn’t hold him. In Luke puts it this way:
24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
Jesus is alive. He has risen!
So, what’s’ this mean for you and me? It means a couple of things:
First, when it comes to faith in Jesus, it’s a faith that comes through divine revelation. In other words, it’s a truth that has to be revealed to you by God.
When it comes to faith in Jesus, its a faith that comes through divine revelation. In other words, it’s a truth that has to be revealed to you by God.
For example, in , Jesus takes his disciples to a place called Caesarea Philippi. And located in Caesarea Philippi there was a mountain side that had idols of gods engraved in the rock. And as they’re standing in front of these false gods, Jesus asks them a question. Matthew writes:
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
Matthew 16:13-
As they’re standing in front of these idols, Jesus asks his disciples who people say he is, because apparently people had a lot of opinions concerning Jesus’s identity. So the disciples rattle off a number of popular ideas of who Jesus is.
But then Jesus asks them a second question. Matthew writes:
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Matthew 16:
Jesus now asks them what they think. And without hesitation, Simon cries out, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Apparently Simon has figured it out. He now sees Jesus for who he really is. But what’s interesting is he didn’t come to that conclusion on his won. Listen to what Jesus goes on to say:
Mark 16:15
17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 16:17
Jesus says, “You’re right Simon, that’s exactly who I am. And the reason you know this is because God has revealed it to you.”
And now, Simon no longer just sees Jesus as a good teacher or a righteous man. Simon is now a believer in who Jesus really is, and Jesus acknowledges his faith. Listen to what Jesus says next:
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:
In this moment Jesus gives Simon a new name. He gives him the name Peter. Peter now sees Jesus for who he really is, and it changes him. This is a salvation moment for Peter. It’s where Paul writes:
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Here’s what this is saying to you and me.
So, what’s this mean for you and me? It means if you want it, God wants to reveal this truth to you as well.
Meaning, faith in Jesus comes by divine revelation. It comes through a supernatural encounter where God reveals his son to us.
It means the only way you can truly know God, if you see Jesus for who He really is. Outside of that, you can’t know God.
#2, if you want to have a supernatural encounter with God, he’s waiting to reveal himself to you. He’s waiting at the tomb. He’s waiting to show you who Jesus is.
Jesus puts it like this in :
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
The fact is, Jesus is waiting to reveal himself to you. In fact, it’s happening right now. Right now, you and I are standing in the empty tomb with the two Mary’s. We are witnessing what they witnessed. Right now, through God’s divine Word, the angel is speaking to us as well.
And what’s so amazing, is before you came to church this morning, God was here waiting for you. Waiting to reveal his son to you. Waiting to show you that Jesus is not longer in the grave. Waiting to reveal to you that He is risen. Right now is a moment of divine revelation for all of us.
And because of that, if your open to his revelation, you can have the same miracle of victory in your life. Like Peter, the miracle of salvation can take place in you.
The question now is, how will you respond? Because how you respond right now will alter the direction of your life. That leads us to our final implication.
Now, you might be thinking, “Pastor, are you saying in order to believe in Jesus I’m going to need an angel to show up and give me the proof?”
So, how and where does that happen? It happens when we finally come to a place where we are seeking the truth. A place where God is waiting to reveal that truth to us.
So, where is that place. Where’s the empty tomb for you and me? Believe it or not, it’s right here, right now. It’s in this place as the angel not only speaks to these two women, but speaks to us as well. Through his divine Word God is revealing his son to us right now.
Believe it or not, it’s happening right now. It’s happening right now as this angel not only speaks to these two women, but speaks to us as well. It’s happening right now, in this place, as God reveals divine truth through His Word.
The question now is, how will you respond? Because how you respond right now will alter the direction of your life. That leads us to our final implication.
No, what I’m saying is, faith in Jesus is a supernatural event
Right now, you and I are standing in the empty tomb with the two Mary’s. We are witnessing what they witnessed. God has revealed his son to us.
15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
The empty tomb is meant to change your future.
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
The resurrection of Jesus changes our future direction.
Mark 16:4-
After revealing the truth of Jesus to these ladies, the Angel gives them future direction. Mark writes:
7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Couple things I want you to notice:
First, notice the instruction the angel now gives to the ladies. With the truth revealed, the angel tells them to go to Galilee? Why Galilee? Because that’s where Jesus had told them he would be after he rose. In Jesus says:
32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”
So, the angel says, “Go to where Jesus told you to go, he’s waiting there for you.”
Second, notice their response. Mark says, “And they fled the tomb, trembling and astonishment seized them, they said nothing, for they were afraid.”
Kind of seems like an odd response, right? I mean you would think after having an angel appear to you, and after finding out that Jesus is alive, and that he’s in town waiting for you, you’d think they’d be overjoyed. You’d think they’d be elated. But that’s not their initial response.
So, what’s going on? Why are they astonished? Why are they trembling? Why are they afraid to share the news?
Well, let’s think about it. They’re responding in the same way you would respond to news like that. I mean how would you respond if somebody told you your dead mom, dad, son, daughter, or friend was alive and down at Casey’s eating a piece of pizza and waiting for you. Might freak you out a little bit, right?
On top of that, if it’s true, this news changes everything. It’s not just another day now. Everything has been altered at this point.
That’s what the empty tomb has done for these ladies. The empty tomb has changed everything. Their worldview has just been turned on its head. Jesus is alive and he’s waiting for them in Galilee.
They just had a nuclear truth bomb dropped on them. Their heads are spinning.
Can you blame them? This is a lot to take in. They weren’t expecting this. Their future direction has now changed.
So, how does this apply to us? It applies in the same way. The truth is, when you put your faith in Jesus, it turns your world upside down. Putting your faith in Jesus is a truth bomb that changes everything in your life.
You see, they’re initial response shoudln’t surprise us.
It changes the way you do life. It changes the way you think. It changes the way you interact with your friends. It changes your family dynamics. It changes your decisions. It changes your morals. You literally become a different person as the Spirit of God enters your body and transforms you into a different person.
The fact of the matter is, faith in jesus shakes us at our core. Faith in Jesus is the death of the old you and the birth of the new you. It’s an astonishing moment as we come to terms with the reality that Jesus is risen. That Jesus is God. In that moment we are changed forever.
And the truth is, it's a scary moment. Faith in Jesus is going to lead us into new and unfamiliar places. Faith in Jesus is going to challenge us to be different than the world around us. Faith in Jesus is going to cause people to think we’re crazy. Faith in Jesus radically transforms everything in our lives.
You see, the empty tomb changes the direction of your life, and points you to go where Jesus is. To follow Him. To devote your life to HIm. To trust Him. To have faith in Him. To believe regardless of what you can’t see and trust that He’ll lead you.
And that my friends can be scary. And people are probably going to think you’re crazy.
In their minds, you’re going to be like chicken little as you tell the story of a resurrected Jesus.
You see, the empty tomb is a life altering experience. It changes everything. Once you enter it, once Jesus is revealed to you, life will never be the same again. Your future has changed, not only in this life but the life to come. Because now you have a hope you never had before. You are no longer living for this life, but the life to come. You are no longer viewing life through the worlds lens, but through the eyes of Jesus. Everything has changed. the old you is dead and the new has been born.
Mark says the Angel told them that Jesus had gone before them and he was waiting for them, just as he said he would be.
Nuclear Truth Bom
As we close this morning, I want to leave you with three challenges:
For those of you who maybe don’t believe, my challenge is simply this. That you would consider entering the empty tomb. That you would go inside and look around. That you would consider that maybe Jesus is more than you thought he was. My challenge is that you allow God the opportunity to reveal himself to you.
For those who do believe, I would challenge you to ask yourself, “Does your life reflect the empty tomb?” In other words, do you really live as if Jesus has risen? Is that evident in your life? Has it changed you? Has it transformed you? Or are you no different than you were before. And if it hasn’t changed you, maybe it’s time to take another look at the empty tomb. Maybe it’s time to enter it once again consider who Jesus is and what that should mean for your life.
As we leave here this morning, my challenge for all of us this week is to go where Jesus is. Like the angel said, he has gone before us. He waits for us. He wants to lead us into a new life outside of the tomb. But for that to happen, you have to go to Galilee. You have to go to the place he waits for you. You might say, “Where is that place?” To be honest, it’s not so much a place as it is an act of obedience. An obedience to now follow His Word. An obedience to give everything to Him. An obedience to go wherever he leads you. At the end of the day, it’s you giving your life completely to him. That’s where you’ll find him. You’ll find him at the end of you as you put your hope completely in him.
Let’s Pray
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.