Spiritually Yours

A Practical application of principles contained in the International Sunday Lessons

THE TRIUMPH

LESSON FIVE

MARK 16:1-8, 12-15

KEY VERSE: “Be not affrighted: Ye seek JESUS of Nazareth, which was crucified: HE IS RISEN: HE IS NOT HERE: behold the place where they laid HIM” (Mark 16:6).

 Prior to this lesson, we find JESUS having been: betrayed and arrested (Mark 14:43-49); forsaken by HIS disciples (vv.50-52); facing the Sanhedrin council (vv.53-65); denied by Peter as HE foretold (vv.66-72); facing Pilate (15:1-15); taken to the place of execution and crucified on THE CROSS (vv.16-41); and finally, buried in Joseph’s tomb (vv.42-46). All of this was done as “…Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where HE was laid (v.47).

 However, as this lesson unfolds we find these same women as major characters in this Resurrection passage. First, we encounter them—Mary Magdalene; Mary the mother of Joses (James); and Salome bringing spice to the tomb of JESUS “…that they might come and anoint HIM” (Mark 16:1). As they approach the tomb, there is some concern over the fact that a huge stone covered the entrance to the tomb and they knew that they were unable to move it (v.3). Yet, when they arrive at the tomb they find the stone already removed from the door (v.4). Inside, the women see an angel, instead of JESUS’ BODY, who informs them of the Resurrection and tells them to go and tell the disciples of the GOOD NEWS (vv.5-7). However, the women are not prepared for this encounter as, “…they went out quickly, and fled from the Sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid” (v.8).

In the final passage, JESUS appears “in another form” to two men walking in the country who told others about this encounter, but they were not believed (16:12-13). “Afterward HE appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen HIM after HE WAS RISEN. And HE said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (vv.14-15).  

1. ROLLING AWAY THE STONES (Mark 16:1-4)

 I consider this as one of the most “moving” sections of the text. And it is the dedication of the three women that is the catalyst for my feelings. Although it was the Jewish custom to anoint the body of the dead, there is no mention of anyone other than these faithful women who even knew “where HE was laid” (15:47). I do not think that their motivation was a sense of custom. These women did what they did out of LOVE for JESUS. The same women who were concerned about HIS needs in life were the very ones to tend to HIM in death, having only one troublesome thought, as they were ON THEIR WAY, “…who shall roll away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?” (16:3) Yet, the women went on with the faith that GOD would somehow provide a way for them to have access to JESUS.

In this material world many “stones” have been rolled against the door of our hearts to keep us separated from the body (presence) of JESUS. My concern is that there have not been enough faithful people who are aware of the stones that keep them separated from the “presence” of JESUS, that have also been aware that GOD will provide a way for the “stones” to be removed so that we can have fellowship with JESUS. With the “stones” of this present world blocking the “door” to our hearts, it has almost become impossible not only for the LOVE OF CHRIST to “exit” us through expression, it has also become equally impossible for JESUS’ LOVE to “enter” our hearts. We must pray and ask GOD to not only roll away the “stones” from where we have “entombed” JESUS, but also to ask HIM to use us, as HE used the angels to roll away the “stones” that separate others from JESUS through our faithful following of HIM.

2. DON’T LEAVE JESUS IN THE GRAVE…HE IS RISEN! (vv.5-8)

 In this passage, we find the women unafraid to enter the tomb, but what greeted them was not what they expected. Instead of seeing the dead body of JESUS, they had an encounter with an angel of THE LORD “…and they were alarmed” (v.5). From the scripture it appears the angel “was sitting” as if waiting for the women to arrive. For he knew what the purpose of their visit was, “Do not be alarmed. You seek JESUS of Nazareth, who was crucified. HE IS RISEN! HE is not here. See the place where they laid HIM” (v.6). This was GOD’S way of getting the credit for the “missing body” of JESUS, and making it known that no one else had taken it. JESUS HIMSELF had gotten up and exited the tomb just as HE said that HE would.

Just as the women found an empty tomb to help them to understand that JESUS was no longer in the grave, we too need to accept the fact that while JESUS was crucified and laid in a tomb, HE is no longer there, “HE IS RISEN!” We who are believers in CHRIST must not allow ourselves to leave JESUS in the grave, for our salvation lies in the “RESURRECTION OF JESUS” not in HIS death. HIS death was only to help us to know that we too can have victory over death if we truly believe that we share in HIS LIFE through our baptism, and by sharing in HIS LIFE we then also share in HIS RESURRECTION into the NEW LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS.

Finally, the women were instructed to be the bearers of the GOOD NEWS of THE RESURRECTION, “…go, tell the disciples--and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see HIM, as HE said to you” (v.7). They were obedient and left the tomb but they “…were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone for they were afraid” (v.8). I can understand their amazement and fear because of their lack of understanding of the events that they had just been made privy to. However, I cannot understand the reluctance of the body of believers today who have been made to know of the RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR and who are also amazed and appear to be afraid to proclaim this knowledge to the world that JESUS is no longer in the grave but that HE, in fact, has RISEN and is coming to see us. We need to sing to the world with a loud voice “HE LIVE, HE LIVES, CHRIST JESUS LIVES TODAY…YOU ASK ME HOW I KNOW HE LIVES? HE LIVES, WITHIN MY HEART!”

3. PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE! (vv.12-15)

 This passage brings us back to the central theme of this month’s message, for John the Baptist and JESUS CHRIST went out ‘TO PREACH THE WORD.” Now here we encounter JESUS, after appearing to HIS disciples and finding them hiding in fear, still thinking that HE was dead, rebuking “their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen HIM, after HE HAD RISEN” (v.14); yet HE, in turn, gives them what has become known as part of the GREAT COMMISSION and that is TO TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE GOOD NEWS OF THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST! (v.15)
WE need to be living testimonies of the goodness of GOD. We need to live our lives in such a manner that “even our enemies will have to give testimony of our righteousness in CHRIST JESUS.” If we let our lights shine before men they will see our good works and glorify GOD in heaven. That light will be the same as preaching the gospel to every one we encounter through our lifestyles, our speech, as well as our actions. All of us are able to use any of these means to “preach the gospel” even though we are not necessarily standing in the pulpit.

I thank GOD for every opportunity to witness to someone about the GOOD NEWS of the GOSPEL of THE RESURRECTED SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. ONE who is definitely not dead but WHO IS STILL ALIVE AND WELL!!

THINK ABOUT IT!!!!

Spiritually Yours.

Rev. Chris Lowe, Sr. DD