The Easter story is one that many of us will know well – however, with a story such as this, there is a risk of becoming over-familiar, failing to appreciate the impact it has on our lives.
- How do we react to the death and resurrection of Jesus?
- How does it affect our lives?
Reading from Mark chapter 16, David explored the events of Easter Sunday – when three women went to visit Jesus’ grave – and their reactions to their discovery.
1. “Who will roll the stone away?”
Throughout life, we will face many barriers that seem impossible to overcome. Obstacles are inevitable and often out of our control, but we can choose how we react to them. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome were presented with a physical barrier when they went to anoint Jesus’ body. Although the women knew they would probably not be able to move the stone covering Jesus’ tomb themselves, they went anyway, hoping they would be able to honour Jesus. As we read on, we see that God was present:
"BUT WHEN THEY LOOKED UP, THEY SAW THAT THE STONE, WHICH WAS VERY LARGE, HAD BEEN ROLLED AWAY."
In every challenge we face, God has promised to be with us. Everyone’s situation is different; there may not be a simple solution to the issue in our lives, but God has promised to be faithful to us. Just like these three women, God knows the struggles ahead of us and we can trust that He is always in control.
2. “Don’t be afraid!”
“YOU ARE LOOKING FOR JESUS THE NAZARENE, WHO WAS CRUCIFIED. HE HAS RISEN!"
Though we refer to this as the ‘good news’, to these women it would have undoubtedly been very shocking and scary news to receive. They never expected to hear that Jesus had come back to life. However, Jesus made the impossible possible, not only for himself but for all who believe in him.
Jesus was mocked, beaten and crucified for our sake. He put himself through all the pain and suffering so that through him we could still have a relationship with God. But this was not the end. On the third day, Jesus rose again, overcoming death and the sin of the world.
Through His grace and love, Jesus has freed us from all our sin and shame. The three women who discovered the empty tomb were told: “Do not be afraid, for ‘He has risen.” In the same way, we do not have to live in fear of anything in this world because we have been saved.
"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE."
3. “Go and tell!”
The women were instructed to share the news that Jesus had risen from the dead. At this time, the disciples had lost all hope, despite Jesus telling them He would return. Even Peter, who would be considered one of the most devoted disciples, had not only lost hope but denied Jesus. However, despite their failures, they were personally called to hear the good news.
This demonstrates the forgiveness and new life that Jesus offers us through His death and resurrection. God will always be faithful to us. He calls us to confess our sins to Him, and He will restore us with the promise of a new life with him.
Despite the instructions and reassurances the women received,
"…THEY WENT OUT AND FLED FROM THE TOMB, FOR TREMBLING AND ASTONISHMENT HAD SEIZED THEM, AND THEY SAID NOTHING TO ANYONE, FOR THEY WERE AFRAID"
At first, the women were deeply shaken by the news and chose silence. However, eventually they were able to overcome this and spread the news of Jesus’ return. David emphasised the importance of being shaken, as this reaction leads us into action. The Easter story demonstrates God’s love, power and faith. It has affected our lives eternally and that should always leave us amazed and lost for words, but this in turn should lead us to share the news that He is risen.
