Discovering the empty tomb

Behold my Servant #84: Discovering the empty tomb       Mark 16:1-8

The cross was not the end for Christ—merely a means to an end. His service of Jehovah in behalf of His people continues through death into His resurrection. It is interesting to see that in the narrative, the setting of the sun, 15:42 is followed by the rising of the sun, 16:2. There are of course days in between, but in terms of the purpose of God, His resurrection followed His death as surely as day follows night.

It followed despite the best efforts of men to prevent it. Cp Matt 27:62-66.

It is now the dawning of the first day of the week, v1-2. A momentous change occurs here that goes unnoticed at the time but had long been foretold, Ps 118:19-24. This is the first Christian Sabbath.

I  COMING TO THE SAVIOUR’S GRAVE.

1. Devotion and love. The actions of the named women are to be seen as actions of love and kindness to the Saviour they had followed. They come:
2. At the earliest opportunity, v1-2. It was still dark as they made their way to the tomb.
3. Having expended a great deal in the provision of sweet spices to anoint His body.
4. Despite recognized difficulty. They foresaw a difficulty with the stone that sealed the grave and yet they came in tent on doing what they could.
5. They expected Him to be there. There was obviously no other thought in their minds than that He was dead and would be in the grave where they had seen Him laid, 15:47. There was no thought for all that He had taught for some time prior to His death that He would rise the third day. Cp 9:31, 10:34. Cp Jn 20:9. They had not even given His words the consideration that His enemies had, Matt 27:63. Devotion to Christ can be very deficient in knowledge! Even the most devoted have much to learn about the Saviour and His work. Let us pursue that zeal for Christ that acts according to knowledge.
6. Devotion to Christ kept the Sabbath, v1. The commands that God had given concerning the weekly Sabbath were diligently observed by them. Love for the Saviour keeps His commands! Cp John 14:15.
7. This love was a continuation of that which had kept them at the cross. It was the next step in a simple process. Their love for Him brought them to Calvary, to His grave site at the time of His burial and back again at this time. Those who truly share the cross with Christ come to share His resurrection experience too! Cp Rom 6:3-10, 2Cor 13:4, Gal 2:20.

II  THE TRUTH OF THE RESURRECTION DECLARED.

1. A heavenly revelation, v5-6. Angels communicate the truth to them that Christ is no longer in the grave but alive. This is a doctrine that originates in heaven! The women may not have thought of it at the time, but there is an echo here of the mercy seat (John 20:12) from which God had spoken directly in oracle. As yet this truth was grasped by no man. It is striking to see the description of the angel as if to indicate that this was message that would be taken up by men.
2. A frightening aspect, v5. Specifically, the appearance of the angel had a frightening element. Heavenly things can appear so initially even to the best of saints. How easily we may take alarm at the truth! The bright glory of God is revealed here as a contrast to the darkness (Jn 20:1). Cp Matt 28:3, Luke 24:4.
3. A word of comfort, v6. His first words! The word of God communicated by the angel was designed to comfort their fears. His message contains the simple and repeated truth that the Saviour is alive. The evidence is plainly to be seen. Here is what will comfort troubled saints. Cp Rev 1:17-18.

III   THE RESPONSE REQUIRED OF THEM.

1. Leave, v7. They were told to go away from the empty tomb. There is no superstitious lingering encouraged as at a relic! The empty grave is not itself to become a focus of devotion!
2. Tell the disciples, v7. They were charged with communicating their experiences to the others. Peter is specially named as to be included in those told. He is not to be sidelined on account of his denials of the Saviour.
3. This was to produce further meeting/fellowship with the Saviour, v7. They were commissioned as advocates for further obedience to the Saviour’s words!
4. The response they made, v8. Fear and wonder made them run and kept them silent for a time. They did not tell anybody! Their fear resisted the comfort of the message revealed by the angel. Unbelief had such a grip of their minds that they did not benefit from the comfort it held. There are many things that prevent us from declaring far and wide the truth that Jesus is alive and able to save.