Mark
Lesson 13Mark Chapter 16
We will conclude our study of the Gospel according to Mark with a look at the empty tomb. I have included two pictures. The first of these depicts a small empty tomb and is a good example of how they were hewn out of rock with a round stone rolled in front it. In the second picture, I have included an example of how big the stone covering Jesus’ tomb could have been. (see Mark 16:4)
Mark’s last chapter is actually very short in the original manuscript, and while our study will only have a handful of verses to cover this miraculous event, our studies in Matthew, Luke and John dig deeper into this event. As we have been studying the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, you will recall that in our prior lesson, we saw that Jesus died and was buried on Friday, just before the beginning of the Passover. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus actually carried Jesus’ body to the tomb, wrapped it, and sealed the tomb. Witnessing this were two of the three women who had cared for Jesus during his ministry, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph.
Our study finds us at the empty tomb early on a Sunday morning. Jesus has risen, and in forty days, he will be taken up into heaven. There will be a lot to accomplish in those forty days. Luke’s account of those days can be found in our study of the book of Acts. In this lesson, we will take a brief look at Mark’s account of that beautiful Sunday at the empty tomb!
Let’s read Mark Chapter 16 and consider the following:
- Our study picks up with the three women preparing to return to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. We know from previous Lesson 12 that both Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James (also referred to as Joseph), knew where Jesus had been buried; and they also knew that a very large stone had been used to seal the grave. They knew the body needed to be wrapped in spices, which was the customary way of covering the smell of decay; and it was a sign of their devotion to Jesus, even unto his death. So, they gathered up the spices and headed for the grave. However, in their desire to serve Jesus one last time, they were so focused on getting to the tomb that they had forgotten one thing. What was it, and did it keep them from going to Jesus’ grave? (see Mark 16:1-3)
- Upon arriving at the tomb, the women see that the large stone has been rolled away, thus allowing them to enter the outer tomb and go to where Jesus’ body had been wrapped and placed by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. As they entered the area where Jesus’ body had been laid, what happened, and how did the women react? (see Mark 16:4-5)
- How does the messenger respond to the women’s reaction, and how does this experience with an angel compare to those of Zechariah the priest, the Virgin Mary, and the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth? (see Mark 16:6, Luke 1:13, Luke 1:30, and Luke 2:10)
- After the angel shows them that the tomb is empty and Jesus has risen, what does he instruct them to do? (It’s very specific; see Mark 16:7)
- These three women have faithfully followed Jesus through his earthly ministry, seeing his miracles and hearing his teaching. They came faithfully to the tomb to finish his burial process only to find the tomb empty and hear from the angel that Jesus had risen; and that they were to go and tell Peter and the other disciples about this. How do these three women of faith react, and why do you suppose they reacted in that manner? (see Mark 16:8 and Mark 9:5-6)
Mark abruptly ends his gospel with the three women fleeing from the empty tomb, afraid and not saying anything to anyone. However, both Matthew’s and Luke’s accounts show us that the women regained their composure and did as the angel instructed, telling Peter and the disciples that the grave was empty, that indeed Jesus was risen from the dead and was alive! In our studies of Luke and John, we examine the disciples’ reactions to the women and their testimony.
As we close this study, it is evident that we do indeed serve a risen savior! What a momentous Sunday morning: salvation entered the world, and we are assured of an eternity in heaven with Him. All of the pain and suffering that he endured for us in spite of our sins and weaknesses is a perfect picture of just how much God loves us. He sent His one and only son. And think of how much love that Jesus has for all of us, such that he would endure all of that in order to save us. What an indescribable blessing, and what a way to end a study of the Gospel of Mark!
Have a great week everyone, and thanks again for studying with us.
In His Name,
Wes
[2017]