The Resurrection

Mark 16:1–8 NIV84

1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ” 8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

Introduction

Last week - looked at burial of Christ.

Focus on the importance - Christ truly did die!

Burial account really is an important aspect

But how important, encouraging and challenging is the resurrection of our Saviour - this is what we consider today!

Preparation for Anointing (vv.1-4)

Verse 1

Sabbath - would have been agonising!!

"Sabbath was over"... just after sunset on the Saturday, so maybe 18:30 or 19:00

Recall 1:32 - when the Sabbath was over, in the evening, they brought all of their sick to Jesus for Him to heal them.

Went to buy spices to anoint Jesus' body

The plan would be then to go VERY EARLY the next morning to do the anointing.

The purpose of anointing was not to embalm, that is, to prevent bodily decay (as was the custom in Egypt) but to perfume the decaying corpse as an act of devotion. (Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 491).)

This was an act of love, and act of devotion to the Lord.

This was a last opportunity to show honour to someone that they had devoted themselves to.

BUT!!! - This shows that they did not understand that Christ was supposed to rise...

They were buying spices to care for a dead body.

Even though they had been much with Jesus, they still did not understand. (neither did the disciples!!)

Something further of significance!! - - - - - -

For the third time Mark lists the names of the women attending the cross, burial, and empty tomb of Jesus (15:40, 47; 16:1). The listing of proper names—so unusual for Mark—certifies on the basis of eyewitnesses the veracity of the events described. (Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 491).)

The ladies names...

Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene. We know little about this woman other than that her name indicates that she was from Magdala in Galilee.

Somewhere in Galilee she met Jesus, who cast seven demons out of her. She then joined the band of disciples and followed Jesus wherever he went (Lk 8:2), ending up in Jerusalem at the foot of the cross when all the male disciples had fled (Mk 15:40; Jn 19:25).

She observed Jesus’ burial (Mk 15:47) and witnessed the events surrounding the resurrection.

Mary the mother of James

Matthew calls her “Mary the mother of James and Joseph” or just “the other Mary” (27:56, 61; 28:1)

This woman goes by several names, but in each account she appears among Jesus’ faithful female disciples, standing by the cross and witnessing the empty tomb.

Salome

Woman who followed Jesus and was perhaps Mary’s sister and the mother of James and John.

Matthew speaks of two women named Mary, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee (Salmone), who could have been Salome, while John describes the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus. If Mary’s sister was Salome, and she and the mother of the sons of Zebedee were one and the same, then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were cousins of Jesus. (BEB)

Verse 2

The first day of the week comes, and it's VERY early... just after sunrise.

VERY EARLY = 3am - 6am

This however about 5-6am... after sunrise

First day of the week = Sunday

They would need to walk the short distance (a few km) to Jerusalem, to where Jesus' body had been placed.

Remember that they were watching when Jesus was laid in the tomb - they knew where the tomb was!

In this entire narrative, note that the disciples are missing!

Verse 3

As they head to the tomb, a question arises amongst them..." How are we going to remove the stone??"

That was a pertinent question - surprising that they only consider this now, but that's the situation.

Note that Mark mentions in verse 4 that the stone was very large (Mega)

It would have been too large for these 3 women together to roll away.

Probably in the rush of all that had been unfolding, they were not really thinking of all that they needed to.

Most likely they didn't even know that the tomb had been sealed, and a guard placed there - otherwise they may not have gone... they wouldn't have been allowed to open the tomb (Check!!)

Verse 4

As they approach the tomb, they look up, and see that the stone is gone...rolled away..

This large stone had been rolled away!!

God / an angel rolled the stone away

Matthew 28:2 (NIV84) — 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.

This was an act of demonstration of the power of God - that He had worked.

The stone was not rolled away in order to let Christ OUT!

John 20:19 - Jesus appeared to the disciples in a locked room!

The stone was rolled away in order to show the women that Christ was not there... so that they could go in and investigate!

Words from an Angel (vv. 5-7)

Verse 5

When they arrived there, they entered the tomb immediately..

Note the details of the description...

A young man...

Dressed in a white robe... - typical colour of the robes of angels (or Jesus at Transfiguration...

sitting on the right side...

The position of the angel “on the right side” of the tomb, a detail without apparent significance, is not the kind of thing a fabricator would include and hence witnesses in favor of a historical remembrance (Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 493).)

This man is unidentified, but is most likely an angel of the Lord (see also Mat.28:5)

Matthew 28:5 (NIV84) — 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

The women were "alarmed" - shocked and afraid!!

The Greek word for “alarmed” (ekthambeomai, v. 5), found only in Mark, means both fear and wonder, astonishment and distress; the same word is used in 14:33 of Jesus’ intense distress in Gethsemane. (Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 493).)

Verse 6

Angel Response: "Don't be alarmed" - typical response from an angel to people.

He tells them who they are looking for.

The angel knew exactly why they were there.

Again, look at the details.

Looking for Jesus.

The Nazarene (not just any Jesus - a common name!!)

“Jesus the Nazarene” is a more important term for Mark than is usually recognized, having been used previously in 1:9, 24 near the beginning of the Gospel and in 14:67 and here near the end. It suggests that Jesus was a real person who can be located in history and geography

Who was crucified... hardly a place for someone crucified!!

The details confirm that these women had the correct tomb - they weren't in the wrong place!

But Jesus wasn't there - he was risen!!

The NIV reads, “ ‘He has risen!’ ” but the Greek is more precise, “ ‘He was raised.’ ” “Risen” could suggest that Jesus arose on his own, but “was raised” rightly implies that he was resurrected by God. (Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 494).)

The angel then invites the women to come in and see the place where Jesus had been laid.

The empty tomb stands as a beautiful reminder to us that sin and death has been emptied of its power over people.

Verse 7

The angel then commissions them - go and tell the disciples.

Note the "...and Peter..." - why would he separate Peter?

Perhaps because Peter had denied Christ, and was thus particularly downcast?

Peter had only just disowned Jesus, before the rooster crowed.

You recall that as Peter disowned Jesus, Jesus had turned and looked down from the elevated room where he was on trial

At that point Peter had run out, and wept bitterly... a broken man... He had denied the Messiah he had once confessed!!

Those days from the crucifixion must have been agonising...!!

We often place a burden of guilt on ourselves, say to ourselves "if only" I had done this... "if only" I had been there... we feel guilt so quickly.

No doubt, Peter sat with a significant burden of guilt...

But here is a remarkable word of grace and encouragement. The flight of the disciples, even Peter’s pitiful denial, have not been the last word. (Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 495).)

If the word of grace from the resurrected Lord includes a traitor like Peter, readers of the Gospel may be assured that it includes those of their community who have also failed Christ. (Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 495).)

Message to them: "He is going before you to Galilee..."

Mark 14:28 (NIV84) — 28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

A Fearful Response (v.8)

Verse 8

Mark ends this resurrection encounter with the angel by describing the response from the women...

It's not a positive response!

Note the descriptions of the women...

They fled!

They were Trembling

They were Astonished

They said nothing - didn't carry out the instructions of the angel

They were afraid!

The clear picture is that these women were thoroughly scared, profoundly shocked (William Hendricksen)

This is the ending of the Gospel of Mark - and it is abrupt!!

Terrified - why end with terror??

Mark previously recorded similar reactions when people observed the power of God being manifested in Jesus.

In 1:22 the people were “amazed” at Jesus’ teaching, in 1:27 because of an exorcism, and in 2:12 because of the healing of the paralytic.

In 4:41 the disciples were “terrified” as a result of Jesus’ calming of the storm.

In 5:15 the people “were afraid” because Jesus had expelled the legion of demons from the wild man of Gerasa and had let them go into the pigs.

In 5:33 the woman who had been healed of the hemorrhage confessed with trembling and fear.

In 5:42 the disciples and the girl’s parents were “astonished” at her resurrection.

In 6:51 the disciples were “completely amazed” when Jesus walked on the water.

In 9:15 the people “where overwhelmed with wonder” when they saw Jesus.

In 9:32 the disciples “were afraid” to ask Jesus about his prediction of death and resurrection.

In 10:32 they “were astonished” and “afraid” because he was determined to go to Jerusalem.

In 11:18 the chief priests and scribes “feared” Jesus because the crowd “was amazed” at his teaching.

In 12:17 the Pharisees and Herodians “were amazed” at his teaching about giving to Caesar and God what is theirs.

In 14:50, 52 the disciples “deserted him and fled,” and the young man “fled naked.”

In 15:5–6 Pilate “was amazed” that Jesus made no reply.

And in 16:5–6 the same women as in v. 8 “were alarmed.”

(In ten of the preceding instances he used a verb that is cognate to one of the nouns in 16:8; in the other instances he used synonyms.) (Brooks, J. A. (1991). Mark (Vol. 23, p. 274). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)

The way in which this Gospel ends is a demonstration that the power of God amazes, and causes one to stand in awe.

And so it should do to us today!!!

Note that the Gospel began quite abruptly, now it ends abruptly

An open ending here indicates that this story is not complete

Application

This is a day of great celebration!!

First day of the week - became the Lord's Day

This is why we celebrate each week on a Sunday - because Christ rose on the First Day of the week.

Resurrection power of Christ is in us!

Lazarus - was raised from the dead.

John 11:21-26...

Amazing statement that Jesus made - He is the resurrection and the life!!!

Any person in Christ has been given this resurrection life!

Ephesians 1:17–21 (NIV84) — 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 2:1–7 (NIV84) — 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:20–21 (NIV84) — 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

2 Peter 1:3–4 (NIV84) — 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Philippians 3:10–11 (NIV84) — 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Do you have this power in your life?

A call to self-evaluation...

We need to look at our own hearts this morning.

How evident is that power of the resurrection of Christ in our own lives?

What if I don't? Possible Reasons?

A.1. You're not Truly Born Again

Matthew 7:21 (NIV84) — 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV84) — 5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

Many people today are walking around saying they're Christians, but they're not.

We really need to test ourselves!!

Some tests that one should take....

A.1.1. Do you "like" Jesus, or "believe in Him" as Lord and Saviour?

He's a good teacher.

He brought good into the world, did some amazing miracles and was kind to the unloved.

Yes, I like Jesus... and so I want to be like that kind person...

That is not sufficient - Christ's call to us is that we abandon our self-seeking lives, and live for Him alone.

"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength"...

"If anyone would come after me, let Him deny Himself, take up His cross daily and follow me."

James 2:19 (NIV84) — 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Point is, there needs to be a transformed (regenerated) life...

Confession and repentance that leads to life!

A.1.2. Do you enjoy sin, or hate sin?

Romans 6:23 (NIV84) — 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 John 3:6 (NIV84) — 6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

Do you hate your sin enough to do something about it?

Matthew 5:29–30 (NIV84) — 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

A.1.3. Do you love the people of God?

1 John 4:7–8 (NIV84) — 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

What Must I Do???

Repent.

Confess your sin before a Holy God.

Cry out to God for forgiveness

Run to JEsus, and pray that you would be filled

A.2. You're failing to practice the ordinary means of grace

You cannot live the Christian life without diligently, intentionally availing yourself of the ordinary means of grace.

As you walk in this life, you will never as a normal course, live your life without breathing. You breath, because if you don't, you die.

You don't live your life without eating, because if you do, you'll die.

You don't live your life without doing some exercise, because if you do, your body becomes weak.

But when it comes to the spiritual disciplines: Praying; reading Scripture; Fellowship with the Saints; Participating in Communion / Baptism.... we are so complacent.

It's no wonder there is weakness!!!

It's no wonder we don't see progress in our Christian life...

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV84) — 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Read God's word!!!

Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray.

We don't do very well at prayer...

Set aside a time and a place each day, and don't leave it to chance.

Combine you praying with reading the Bible. What you read, pray.

We will all one day also be raised!! Resurrection hope (1 Cor 15)

Gospel is a Gospel of Hope!!

Peter Denied Jesus... 3 times.... he was broken, but that wasn't the last word!!

The angel told the three ladies to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen... and to tell Peter also... there was hope for Him.

There is hope today, for everyone who is repentant and comes to Christ...

Colossians 1:28