In the Gospel of Mark 16:1-13, there is a brief report of the Resurrection. The Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John add more details.
Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Jacob, had come to perform the Jewish ritual of anointing the deceased body of Jesus with spices. They were concerned about how to roll away the stone that sealed the tomb. Obviously they were not looking for the resurrection of Jesus.
Imagine their surprise of seeing the stone rolled away and of seeing an angel inside where the body should have been. Addressing their amazement, the angel declared, “Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; …But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.’”
The women departed and told the others who refused to believe unless they saw the resurrected Jesus. Mark continues that the two disciples who were walking on the Road to Emmaus also witnessed the resurrected Jesus and told the others who refused to believe. Peter and John had to run back to the tomb in order to believe.
What do we believe this Easter? Is Jesus’ resurrection a reality for you or still a story? If it is still a story for you, you will not have the passion to tell others until the passion of Jesus fills your soul. If Jesus’ resurrection is a reality for you, you should heed the words of the angels and of Jesus Himself – “Go and tell the others!” Invite a friend, a family member, or a neighbor to church. Share your story. Remember it is not you that will save a person, only God can do it. But He needs your faith.
“He is alive!”
Pastor Ralph
