Mark 16:1–8 (ESV) —
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.
NOTE: Wow, just picture yourself as one of the women. The rush to bury Jesus had robbed them of the time to apply the spices. They discussed somewhat mundane items of getting into the tomb only to find the stone rolled away, and I assume the soldiers gone. Then someone is sitting in the tomb, clothed in white, and telling them not to fear. He says that Jesus is risen and will meet them in Galilee. Do you cry or scream with joy or wonder what trick is being played upon you? What does it all mean? Where is Jesus' body? What is happening? Who will believe our story? Even though Jesus did tell them that he would be killed and rise from the dead, that story was probably interpreted in some symbolic or futuristic day. But here it is, it happened. I would be scared to death, giddy with excitement, and in tears, for my savior is alive (or at least I hope). What a story to tell. Oh, and they forgot to get the name of the young man who told them so. Are all angels young? Will we return to our young selves when we receive our new bodies. The bible is clear that when people die the do NOT become angels, but Jesus does say that we will be like them in certain ways.
PONDER:
What does this story do to your heart when you read it and place yourself in the moment? If it doesn't emotionally affect you, do you really know the savior?
PRAYER: Father, thank you for what you did. The story is awesome because it was so unexpected. A person has never risen from the dead. This is the one fact, later verified by many individuals, that should cause every person who honestly wants to know the truth to seriously consider Jesus' words and his claims. Open people's eyes who seek to find this immeasurable gift.
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