[After the angel spoke to them, the] women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened.
—Mark 16:8 NLT
Mark wanted us to know two crucial things about Jesus. First, Jesus was mighty and powerful, something even the demons recognized and feared. Second, despite all of his power, he submitted himself to the will of the Father and went to the cross to ransom us from sin and death. Mark knew Jesus was raised from the dead. But he used the women and their bewildered fear to remind us of the resurrection — not because they doubted, but because they believed. Jesus changed everything in their understanding of the Messiah, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1) He was willing to go to the cross even though he clearly had the power to prevent it. His dying didn't fit the women's expectations, and they couldn't understand how it could be so. All their hopes had been dashed with his crucifixion, and their lives were ruined with his death. On the Sunday morning in today's verse, however, they found out he was raised from the dead and they were told this good news by an angel at Jesus' empty tomb. How could they not be bewildered and fearful? Their worlds were forever changed. If Jesus could rise from the dead, then what would happen next? If they followed Jesus, what could the resurrected Jesus do through them? And if Jesus could use them to "turn the world upside down" with his message and his follower's courage, what can he do with us? So let's join these faithful women at the empty tomb, bewildered and frightened, but full of expectation at the thought of what lies ahead for us!
O God, release the resurrection power of Jesus in our day and in our lives. Empower us to live for you and impact our world in a similar way to how these first followers of Jesus impacted their world. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 16:8 NLT
Key Thought
Mark wanted us to know two crucial things about Jesus. First, Jesus was mighty and powerful, something even the demons recognized and feared. Second, despite all of his power, he submitted himself to the will of the Father and went to the cross to ransom us from sin and death. Mark knew Jesus was raised from the dead. But he used the women and their bewildered fear to remind us of the resurrection — not because they doubted, but because they believed. Jesus changed everything in their understanding of the Messiah, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1) He was willing to go to the cross even though he clearly had the power to prevent it. His dying didn't fit the women's expectations, and they couldn't understand how it could be so. All their hopes had been dashed with his crucifixion, and their lives were ruined with his death. On the Sunday morning in today's verse, however, they found out he was raised from the dead and they were told this good news by an angel at Jesus' empty tomb. How could they not be bewildered and fearful? Their worlds were forever changed. If Jesus could rise from the dead, then what would happen next? If they followed Jesus, what could the resurrected Jesus do through them? And if Jesus could use them to "turn the world upside down" with his message and his follower's courage, what can he do with us? So let's join these faithful women at the empty tomb, bewildered and frightened, but full of expectation at the thought of what lies ahead for us!
Today's Prayer
O God, release the resurrection power of Jesus in our day and in our lives. Empower us to live for you and impact our world in a similar way to how these first followers of Jesus impacted their world. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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