Read
Mark 16:1-8
Set the Scene
When Jesus died on the cross, several of His followers took possession of his body and placed it in a tomb. A very large stone closed the entrance; it was sealed and guarded to prevent theft of the body. The stone physically and legally blocked access to the body of Christ - exemplifying our separation from God due to our sin. An angel rolled away the stone, showing that Jesus had overcome death and the sins of His people.
Reflection Questions
1. The stone was very large - the ladies knew they wouldn’t be able to move it (Mark 16:3). How do we think about our own sin - do we rightly recognize that we can’t “roll it away” ourselves? Or are we planning to / trying to find our own way to remove it?
2. The chief priests and Pharisees knew an empty tomb would provide evidence of Jesus’s resurrection (Matthew 27:62-66, 28:11-15). What does the historical fact of the empty tomb mean for our own faith?
3. The women were alarmed to see an angel instead of Jesus's body (Mark 16:5). What specific directions did he give them (Mark 16:6-7)? What do those directions mean for us?
4. The women were still afraid, despite the angel's words (Mark 16:8). Do we succumb to fear and let it hold us back from following our Lord? What helps us overcome these fears (Matt 28:9-10)?
