Mark 16:1-8 He is risen!

Intro

Almost universal agreement vv9-20 not written by Mark (although some determined defenders, particularly in KJV camp)
– v9 awkward fit, stylistic differences
– seems scribe uncomfortable abrupt ending added summary statement based on other Gospels
– not to deny truth of verses
– dispute not about content or antiquity but whether part Gospel Mark wrote

Also strong likelihood Mark wrote more but some lost
– but in God’s providence Mark’s writing finishes v8
– leaves Gospel open-ended, reminds story ongoing, challenges readers to find own place in story

{Read Mark 16:1-8}

A Sad Journey

Early Sunday morning, 3 women walking up road out Jerusalem
– sombre mood as remember whirlwind events last days

Friday morning heard Jesus arrested Jewish leaders evening before
– had trial during night and early that morning pronounced worthy of death
– ‘cos didn’t have legal right put to death (though hadn’t stopped before!)
– decided hand over Pilate trumped up charge treason against Caesar
– watched stunned silence as crowd welcomed so rapturously < wk ago, cried out for J’s blood, egged on by Jewish leaders

Then watched Jesus flogged, spit upon, struck, eventually crucified Roman soldiers
– for 3 hrs hung cross enduring insults, scorn
– then 3 hrs darkness, ended with terrible cry of agony
– finally just after 3 in afternoon, watched J die
– all happened so quickly, hard to comprehend

For 3 years had followed J, listened to teaching, watched work miracles
– they and number other women, some wealthy, supported J & disciples own funds
– thought this was the Messiah! No-one like him, no-one did what this man did
– now gone

Because of approaching Sabbath, J hastily put in tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, prominent member of council
– women had been quick to follow and see where laid, so witnessed burial too
– but all very hasty, no time for proper burial

So waited for evening Saturday (Sabbath) so could prepare for burial.
– as soon as evening fell (start next day) went to market to purchase spices to anoint J’s body properly. Worked long into evening preparing them
– couldn’t leave it for long because in warm climate body start to decay quickly

Before daybreak set out for tomb carrying load of spices, ready do one last act service for master and friend
– couldn’t comprehend what life wout J like, but kept grief in check by focussing very practical expression of love for him
– as walked sun began to rise and suddenly thought “who will move the stone?”

But before even had chance to think about, looked up and saw stone rolled away
– large stone designed rolled down into groove, keep grave robbers out
– needed several men to move out way, yet there it was!

Looking around saw no-one, indeed grounds appeared deserted
– so fighting a sense of panic – had grave been desecrated by thieves already? Had master’s body been interfered with? Bent down and entered tomb
– to amazement saw young man dressed white, sitting calmly on their right, as though waiting for them
– their pulses already racing reached fever pitch “what is going on!?!”

Though never seen young man before (nor ever again!), seemed to know all about them. Spoke reassuring words
– “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.”

Few observations about women
– knew Jesus well, been with him in Galilee, amongst those cam Jerusalem
– been able observe close up – nearly close as disciples
– loved Jesus / loyal
– but limited him to own experience / understanding
– had witnessed ugly finality of death, seen burial
– came Sunday morning looking for dead body
– sub-consciously chosen own judgement ahead J’s words
– interpreted what said within realms own understanding, set aside difficult sayings
– limited Jesus

Can do this too
– though know much more than women can still limit J to what think possible
– can trust own judgement rather than words of J
– can profess believe J reigning as king, yet live as though powerless
– forget serve θ raised J x dead. Able do more than all ask or imagine!!

What ways limit X?
– oppties tell good news – but won’t believe any way, just mock me
– obedience commands – give tenth ch won’t leave enough for me? / say won’t work Sundays cost me promotion – can’t provide family? / humble, speak only good know of others, I’ll be walked over, need look after no 1?
– area prayer – only pray for what think θ can do? Fail pray for sits think lost cause?
– all to easy limit X – but resurrection reminder power θ, nothing impossible, delights confound wisdom this world

So women came looking dead body …
– there is no body – Jesus has it and not giving it back!
– only empty tomb … and a messenger

Mark doesn’t tell us angel, but way Gospels describe clear is
– angel does several things
– comforts them – (how often angelic visitors do this), J’s tender love
– shows understands why there (and evidence brought them there!)
– tells them what has happened “He has risen”
– challenges examine evidence “He is not here. See where they laid him.”
– commissions them “go tell …”
– gently rebukes them “just as he told you.”

With few words, turns world upside down
– ready to face grief when thought understood
– but not yet ready for joy that X alive!
– not ready 4 world in which someone returns dead – minds reel as try take it in

So flee from tomb trembling, bewildered. Say nothing to anyone because afraid.
– we know what happens next, but Mark leaves readers hanging …

Several things need observe from account …

The resurrection is real
– Mark gives specific details about time, date, place etc
– witnesses – women witnessed death, burial, empty tomb
(aside – important place women in story. Not credible witnesses Jewish society. If making up story never use women. Accept truth story means set aside Jewish custom accept women’s testimony. Gospel does not put down / suppress women – wherever has gone has improved lot women, brought new respect)
– absence of disciples – cowering in fear, perhaps afraid Jewish leaders come after them (not how make up story!)
– heavenly witnesses – young man white robes who interprets events, θ announces X’s victory
– empty tomb – never credibly disproved. If authorities wanted disprove simply produce body (don’t forget disciples not x Jerusalem, J full of ppl – how could they steal body, hide without being discovered?) Never have produced body – historical fact!
The resurrection is a sign of grace
– announced 1st to these faithful women, theirs grief of witnessing crucifixion, death, burial … and now 1st to hear of resurrection
– announced to people who had lost faith – disciples (who had abandoned master) & Peter ( who had denied 3x)
– announced today to ppl rebelling against θ, eyeballs in sin – offers hope of new life
The resurrection is to good to keep to ourselves
– “Go, tell” – women were to tell disciples
– disciples were commissioned to tell all nations
– that commission now given to church
The resurrection is a call to faith
– abandon own preconceptions – both of problem & solution
– too often small view of real needs
– women & disicples had too small view what needed saving from
– biggest need not good health, steady job, financial security
– biggest problem slavery sin, death / leave this life in box!
– need assurance beyond this life - eternal life!!