Mark 16

To read this text, CLICK HERE

Mark 16:4-8, But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

“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. 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.’”

Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

We have made it to the best part of the story – the resurrection!  I absolutely love this passage.  But before we dig in, let’s talk context.  Jesus was crucified on a Friday because the Jews had to have it done and over with before Sabbath (which for them runs from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown).  Thus, the women who wanted to anoint Jesus’ body for burial had to wait until the Sabbath was over before heading over to the tomb.  And three women are specifically mentioned – Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome.  I want to point out that these women were also specifically mentioned at being present at the crucifixion.  They watched Jesus die.  I want you to think about how the reality of suffering and intense grief is hanging over this whole scene.  These were women who walked alongside Jesus, took care of his needs, and loved him.

And because they loved him, they wanted to ensure that his dead body was properly prepared for burial.  Jews did not embalm but they ceremonially washed the body, wrapped it in cloths, and used herbs and spices to help with deterioration and smell.  In that culture, a proper burial was quite important, it demonstrated honor for that individual; for these women, this was an act of love and respect.

As they head over to prepare the body, they discuss what they think will be their biggest obstacle - the stone.  They were at the crucifixion.  They knew that a large stone was rolled in front of the tomb.  How will they move it?  What’s interesting to me here is that they have no inkling that the tomb would be empty.  Jesus has taught about his death and resurrection but no one got it.  But when they get to the tomb and the stone was the least of their worries.  It was already rolled away and when they entered the tomb, it’s empty except for a young man dressed in a white robe just sitting there.  Mark doesn’t say so, but it’s implied this man is an angel. 

The scripture says the women are alarmed.  They have been so consumed by their grief and suffering, so focused on taking care of this final act for Jesus, and then the stone is gone and there is this angel-like character sitting inside the tomb.  Of course they are alarmed.  And this man/angel person tells them that Jesus wasn’t there because he had risen, just as he said he would. 

This is all a bit much for these ladies.  They were scared.  So they flee and say nothing to anyone.  And the book of Mark ends.  Over the years, people have added more appealing endings to this Gospel.  You may even have some of these manuscripts added to the end of chapter 16.  But most scholars agree these were added on later.

While Mark’s Gospel may feel a bit unsatisfying in how it so abruptly ends, it also creates a sense of anticipation and yes, even HOPE.  We don’t have to make up fake endings for Mark like some of the church fathers may have done.  What Mark tells us is enough. 

Why? 

Because the tomb was empty! Jesus was resurrected.

Because death could not keep Jesus down!  Death was defeated.

Because the women were given the message to “Go and tell, Jesus is risen!” 

Because all the promises that Jesus made have come true.  Every single one.  Just as he said, he suffered, died, and was raised.  Just as he said, Judas betrayed him, the disciples scattered, and Peter denied him. 

We know that eventually these women speak and they must speak a lot.  Because the message was shared.  After they get over their initial shock, it all begins to sink in.  Yes, Jesus had told them this would happen.  Yes, they would choose to believe and share the good news.  He wasn’t dead but alive! 

They chose to believe and share.  Will you?

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, We believe in you.  Help us share your good news in whatever we do, wherever we go.  You are Lord!  Amen.