The Way - Day 107 (Mark 16)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Mark 16:1-20
In this final chapter of Mark we find Jesus lying in a tomb having been put to death by the religious Jews who hated Him. The Sabbath day had past and it had already been three days since Jesus' death so "Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices, that they might come and anoint Him" (16:1). Anointing the body was a Jewish custom which helped cover the smell of the decaying body and also an expression of love for the deceased. "Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen" (16:2). On their journey to Jesus burial place, the women were discussing who would roll away the heavy stone which had been placed at the mouth of Jesus' tomb (16:3). Upon arriving at the tomb, they saw that the stone had been rolled away and when they entered the tomb they discovered an angel sitting there (16:4- 5). Calming their fears, the angel told them not to be afraid but to rejoice because Jesus had risen from the dead (16:6). The angel commanded the women to "go, tell His disciples - and Peter - that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you" (16:7). I find it very significant that the angel specifically mentions Peter to the women. Just a few days earlier Peter had confessed his undying love for Christ, but ended up denying Him three times. Peter was distraught over his denial of Jesus, but Jesus wanted Peter to know that He still loved him. I believe Jesus understands our weaknesses and forgives us when we fail Him.

Jesus' resurrection was being noised across the region, but many were receiving the news with unbelief (16:9-13). At a later time Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples and gives them some instructions for their future ministry (16:14-18). Finally, Mark briefly records Jesus' ascension into heaven to sit at the right hand of God (16:19). Following this encounter with the resurrected Christ, the disciples "went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs" (16:20).

As we have had the chance to journey through the gospel of Mark, may we be careful to follow the example of Jesus Christ. May we live lives of faith and conviction as a result of knowing more about our living God!

Dear God, help me to remember what You have taught me through reading the gospel of Mark.