Imagine the early dawn light spilling over the horizon as three women approach a tomb filled with sorrow and uncertainty. Their mission? To anoint Jesus' body. What they find instead changes everything.
The Reading: Mark 16
World English Bible1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him.
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2 Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.
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3 They were saying among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?”
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4 for it was very big. Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back.
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5 Entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were amazed.
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6 He said to them, “Don’t be amazed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen. He is not here. Behold, the place where they laid him!
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7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He goes before you into Galilee. There you will see him, as he said to you.’”
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8 They went out, and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come on them. They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid.
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9 Now when he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.
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10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
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11 When they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they disbelieved.
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12 After these things he was revealed in another form to two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country.
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13 They went away and told it to the rest. They didn’t believe them, either.
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14 Afterward he was revealed to the eleven themselves as they sat at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they didn’t believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
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15 He said to them, “Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation.
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16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.
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17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages;
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18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
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19 So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
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20 They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Women at the Tomb
After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome hurry to the tomb to anoint Jesus with spices. They are filled with worry, wondering who will help them move the massive stone at the tomb's entrance.
A Surprising Discovery
To their astonishment, they arrive to find the stone already rolled away. Inside, they encounter a young man in a white robe who announces, 'He has risen! He is not here!' This angelic figure instructs them to tell the disciples that Jesus will meet them in Galilee.
Overcoming Fear
Overcome with trembling and astonishment, the women flee from the tomb, too afraid to speak to anyone. Later, Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, who joyfully shares the astonishing news with the disciples, but they struggle to believe her.
The Disciples' Doubt
Jesus then appears to two other disciples on their way to the countryside, but even they face skepticism when they return with the news. Eventually, Jesus appears to the eleven disciples while they are eating, rebuking them for their disbelief.
The Great Commission
In a powerful moment, Jesus instructs the disciples to go into all the world and preach the Good News. He promises that signs will accompany those who believe, including healing the sick and casting out demons. After this, Jesus ascends into heaven, taking His place at God's right hand, while the disciples set out to spread His message everywhere.
Why It Matters
The Power of Resurrection
The resurrection is a profound testament to hope. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, new life can emerge. The women at the tomb teach us that fear can be transformed into joy when we encounter the truth.
The Importance of Belief
This chapter highlights the struggle with belief, even among those closest to Jesus. Their initial disbelief serves as a lesson that faith can take time, and that we need to support each other in our journeys.
A Call to Action
Jesus' command to share the Good News is a call for us today. It encourages us to spread love and hope in our communities. If you're seeking connection and a place to explore faith, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. We can support each other in our spiritual journeys together.
Signs of Faith
The signs Jesus talks about remind us that faith might lead to unexpected experiences. While the miraculous is not guaranteed, the call to serve and love others is a universal mission.
Coming Up Next: Luke 1
In our next episode, we'll dive into Luke 1, where we encounter the miraculous beginnings of John the Baptist and the incredible announcement of Jesus' birth. Join us on this exciting journey!