Matthew 28 verses 1-15 and Mark 16 verses 1-8 – Sometimes we take familiar passages from the Gospels for granted. We have heard them before, perhaps several times. This can lead to a loss of excitement and newness. This is not what you want to do to the Gospel accounts of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
When I was a singer of the 23rd Psalm at Weddings and Funerals, I sang it as though it were my first or last performance. I didn’t want these words to lose any truth or significance.
There is nothing wrong in asking questions. You can always learn something or experience something new.
Two Marys, Joseph of Arimathea and Mary are named.
Jesus left the tomb as well as the womb. Mary and Joseph had more children. Mary and Joseph had other children. The Holy Spirit was working wonders in Mary’s womb. In the tomb, He raised Jesus from the dead.
They were both the last to cross the Cross and the first to enter the Tomb.
Fear is a sign of faith. Fear can be caused by seeing the evidence of the resurrection. Faith is manifested through the experience with the risen Jesus.
The evidence proved that they were right – something supernatural occurred. This can be scary. All they did was to anoint Jesus’s crucified corpse.
The risen Jesus must be met – the Jesus who is dead, who does not make us swoon at the cross.
Mark 15 verse 43f. Mark is actually certifying Jesus’ death by reporting the burial. Joseph of Arimathea can be identified as the witness. The body is sealed and wrapped in plastic. Also, this Roman Centurion would witness the burial and inform Pilate.
Mark informs us also about the reliability of female witnesses. That continues in Chapter 16.
Mark records a historical account. These names keep coming up – do you doubt him? Go to them and find out – they are still around – you can also check my story.
Jesus spoke about it in Mark 8, 9, and 10. Jesus predicted what would happen soon.
It is obvious that nobody expected a resurrection of the dead.
Mark notes that Jesus claimed He would rise. It is likely that one disciple would have stated, Hey, it is three days – Jesus said He would Rise – but not one disciple. Mark wouldn’t have included at most one name of someone who believed Jesus would rise.
It rings true to historical truth.
Mark tells us all about the rolled stone. How would they have gotten in without it?
It was a simple matter for angels to sit on. As if to tell him that it had been completed, it is exactly as he promised. The young man was dressed in unusual clothes. This was not just a human happening, it was God’s work.
They saw an empty tomb. Matthew tells us Jesus was there. Verse 9: Come and See – Then Go and Tell.
Luke 24, like John 20, is full of personal encounters between Jesus and the disciples.
You can experience this yourself – then tell your friends.
It is vital to share personal testimony. This may be even more important in these challenging times when so many people don’t understand the meaning of the cross or resurrection.
An angel desires that the resurrection of Jesus Christ be part of their experiences – they have to see Him, and we must too.
They may have fled with the disciples, but Jesus was there waiting for them.
Some people are unsure, have questions, have doubts, or have unbelief. They fled, they ran, they were afraid.
Fear doesn’t make you stop and see – it makes you tell.
They were prepared for Jesus’ resurrection from the dead because of fear.
We can find all details in the gospels about the reunions and meeting – Peter and John rush to the tomb to hear the testimony from the women. Jesus then appears to Peter on Jerusalem’s Emmaus Road. After that conversation with scripture references, Jesus lights up their hearts and sends them back to Jerusalem Fellowship. Jesus later appears in Jerusalem in the Upper Room to speak words of peace and inhales into his men.
Even if all of this were a hoax, they’d have to tell the tale for more than 60 years to John’s death. In that time, many other conspirators would have needed to take the fabricated story with them to their grave.
Und – Would all these people risk their lives to make a hoax like this?
To disprove Jesus Christ’s resurrection, all that was needed was someone to create the corpse.
Acts was the same as the Gospels.
This is why it takes repetition. This is the first time this has been done by any other spiritual leader. It must sound strange to many people.
On that same day, many met Jesus the Risen Christ – including the women and the men on the Emmaus Road. Then came the Upper Room where fear and confusion reigned.
Men on the Emmaus Road heard about the empty tomb, but the second-hand evidence wasn’t enough. They needed to have an encounter with the Risen Christ.
God was stamping this – FULLY PAYED. Sin was paid.
Spread the Gospel everywhere you go. They went everywhere the risen Lord went. Mark 16.
He is now risen. He is now risen. He isn’t here. See the location where they placed him.
Jesus promised he would rise from death and he rose – Jesus lived up to his words and Jesus remains faithful to his promises.
Many will find the next period difficult and challenging. There will also be many who need your support and love.
God speaks through Jesus’ resurrection from the grave. We can let the Word of God speak through us if we adhere to the Scriptures and don’t compromise our testimony. I
Jesus is blessed with faithful men and women, who for over 2000 years have passed down the Gospel. This Good News is now our mission – the forgiveness of sins, strength and joy for the future, and peace with God to share with all those who are in need.
A well-known “children’s chorus” is available, suitable for all ages.
“I serve a risen Saviour – He’s in the world today –
I know that He is living – whatever men may say –
I see His Hand of mercy – I hear His Voice of cheer –
And just the time I need Him – He’s always near.
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives! He lives – salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart!”