Jesus is Risen (Mark 16)
Day 1: The Empty Tomb
Summary/Introduction:
As we embark on this devotional journey, we’ll begin with the empty tomb, an emblem of hope and divine power that confronts human frailty. Witnessing the unexpected, the women who came to anoint Jesus’ body found themselves at the forefront of a miraculous event.
Scripture Reading:
Mark 16:1-4 (CSB) “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they could go and anoint him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. They were saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?’ Looking up, they noticed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away.”
Detailed Commentary:
The narrative begins with three devoted women heading to Jesus’ tomb to perform a final act of service with the spices they had bought. Their primary concern was the immense stone sealing the tomb’s entrance, a barrier they felt powerless to remove. This question epitomizes human limitations, often preoccupied with physical constraints rather than divine possibilities. Yet, their worry was met by a divine intervention: the stone was already rolled away, signifying that God had gone ahead of them, overcoming the obstacles they perceived as insurmountable.
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever faced an overwhelming obstacle that God miraculously removed for you?
How does the empty tomb challenge your current perspective on God’s ability to intervene in your life?
Worship Song:
“Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)” by Casting Crowns
Prayer Focus:
Pray for the faith to see beyond your current obstacles and for the revelation that God is always a step ahead, preparing the way for His purposes.
Concluding Thought:
Meditate on how God has already rolled away ‘stones’ in your life, and take comfort in knowing He works ahead of you.
Day 2: The Angel’s Message
Summary/Introduction:
Today we delve into the angel’s announcement, a declaration of divine victory over death that restores hope and purpose to the grieving disciples and the world.
Scripture Reading:
Mark 16:5-7 (CSB) “When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; they were alarmed. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he told them. ‘You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, “He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.”‘”
Detailed Commentary:
Entering the tomb, the women encountered an angel who delivered the groundbreaking news: Jesus had risen. The angel’s white robe symbolizes purity and divine presence, and his message is the cornerstone of our faith: “He has risen! He is not here.” This statement redefines reality for the disciples, especially Peter, who had experienced deep failure. By specifically mentioning Peter, the angel’s message underscores the inclusive nature of God’s grace, offering restoration and hope to those who have faltered.
Reflection Questions:
How does the message “He has risen” reshape your understanding of Jesus’ power over death?
What significance does it hold for you that Peter was specifically mentioned in the angel’s message?
Worship Song:
“Christ is Risen” by Matt Maher
Prayer Focus:
Pray for the courage to accept God’s grace and to share the message of resurrection and hope with others, just as the women were instructed to do.
Concluding Thought:
Reflect on how God’s message of resurrection continues to offer hope and restoration to you and those around you.
Day 3: The Disciples’ Doubt
Summary/Introduction:
Today, we’ll focus on the disciples’ initial disbelief of the resurrection and Jesus’ response to their doubt. This part of the story shows that even those close to Jesus can struggle with faith but also highlights the importance of perseverance and belief.
Scripture Reading:
Mark 16:8, 14 (CSB)”So they went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid.”
“Later he appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; he rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart because they did not believe those who saw him after he had risen.”
Detailed Commentary:
The women’s fear and silence depict a natural human reaction to divine encounters—shock and awe often render us speechless. Upon hearing the women’s account, the disciples respond with skepticism, despite Jesus having told them multiple times about His resurrection. It was only when Jesus Himself appeared to them that they believed. Interestingly, Jesus rebukes them not for abandoning Him but for their unbelief regarding His resurrection. This teaches us that faith in the resurrection is foundational to our relationship with Christ.
Reflection Questions:
How do you respond to moments of doubt in your faith journey?
Why do you think Jesus prioritized rebuking the disciples for their unbelief over their abandonment?
Worship Song:
“Living Hope” by Phil Wickham
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to strengthen your faith and remove any hardness of heart that may prevent you from fully embracing His promises.
Concluding Thought:
Contemplate on areas of unbelief in your life and invite Jesus to transform your doubt into resolute faith.
Day 4: Refuting Theories Against the Resurrection
Summary/Introduction:
Today we examine various theories that try to discredit the resurrection and explore the overwhelming evidence that supports it. Understanding these arguments strengthens our faith and equips us to defend our beliefs.
Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 15:12-22 (CSB) “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, ‘There is no resurrection of the dead’? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith. Moreover, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified wrongly about God that he raised up Christ—whom he did not raise up, if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.”
Detailed Commentary:
Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 15 is crucial for understanding the significance of the resurrection. He explains that if Christ has not been raised, then our faith and preaching are futile, and we are still in our sins. This underscores the necessity of the resurrection for salvation. Debunking theories such as the Swoon Theory, Hallucination Theory, and others, becomes easier when we understand the abundant historical evidence and eyewitness accounts supporting the resurrection.
Reflection Questions:
How does Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians strengthen your faith in the resurrection?
Why is it necessary to understand and refute alternative theories against the resurrection?
Worship Song:
“Because He Lives” by Gaither Vocal Band
Prayer Focus:
Pray for wisdom and discernment to understand and defend the truth of the resurrection and for the courage to stand firm in your faith.
Concluding Thought:
Reflect on the evidence of the resurrection and thank God for the firm foundation it provides for your faith.
Day 5: Living in the Power of the Resurrection
Summary/Introduction:
Our journey concludes by focusing on how the resurrection empowers us to live victoriously in Christ. The resurrection isn’t just a past event but a present reality that transforms our lives.
Scripture Reading:
Romans 6:4-11 (CSB)”Therefore, we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over him. For the death he died, he died to sin once for all time; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
Detailed Commentary:
Paul explains that through baptism, we identify with Jesus’ death and are raised to new life, just as He was raised from the dead. This new life means we are no longer slaves to sin. The resurrection empowers us to live in the newness of life, marked by victory over sin and the assurance of eternal life.
Reflection Questions:
How does your understanding of the resurrection shape the way you live daily?
In what ways can you allow the power of the resurrection to transform areas of your life still dominated by sin?
Worship Song:
“Resurrecting” by Elevation Worship
Prayer Focus:
Pray for the resurrection power to permeate every area of your life, with a special focus on overcoming sin and living victoriously in Christ.
Concluding Thought:
Take time to ponder how the resurrection power can transform not just your eternity but your daily life. Commit to walking in this newness of life, empowered by the Holy Spirit.