Scripture: Mark 16:1-8 (NIV)
1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.
2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb
3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.
5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6 “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.
7 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.’”
8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
Devotion:
The narrative in Mark 16:1-8 unveils the awe-inspiring moment of discovery when the women arrived at the tomb on that first Easter morning. Their encounter with the empty tomb and the angelic message encapsulates the essence of Easter—divine surprise, transformative revelation, and unwavering hope.
1. A Journey of Devotion: The women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, embarked on a journey of devotion, seeking to honor Jesus even in the midst of their grief. Their act of purchasing spices to anoint His body reflects their deep love and reverence for the Savior, despite the overwhelming sorrow of His death.
2. Divine Intervention: Arriving at the tomb, the women encountered a divine intervention beyond their wildest expectations. The stone, which they had anticipated as an obstacle, had been miraculously rolled away. This unexpected sight serves as a profound reminder that God’s power surpasses human limitations, and His plans unfold in ways that often defy human understanding.
3. The Message of Resurrection: Inside the tomb, the women were greeted by a young man dressed in a white robe, bearing the life-altering proclamation: “He has risen!” This angelic declaration shattered the chains of despair and heralded the dawn of a new era. The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the pinnacle of God’s redemptive plan, offering eternal hope and victory over sin and death.
4. Commissioned as Witnesses: The angel entrusted the women with a sacred commission—to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen and would meet them in Galilee. This charge underscores the vital role of every believer as a witness to the resurrection. Easter invites us to share the life-transforming message of Jesus’ victory over death, proclaiming His power to save and restore lives.
5. Responses of Fear and Wonder: Trembling and bewildered, the women fled from the tomb, overcome by a mixture of fear and wonder. Their initial reaction reflects the profound mystery and magnitude of the resurrection. Similarly, Easter invites us to approach the resurrection with a sense of reverence and awe, recognizing its profound implications for our lives and the world.
As we reflect on the events of that first Easter morning, may we embrace the divine surprise of the resurrection with open hearts and minds. May we, like the women at the tomb, be transformed by the reality of Jesus’ victory over death and compelled to share this life-changing truth with others. Amen.
