Bible reading: Mark 16:1-8 (ESV)
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” And 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.
Observation questions
- What practical problem did the women face as they went to the tomb, and how did they respond to it? [38:24]
- What did the angel tell the women to do after announcing that Jesus had risen?
- How did the women react after hearing the angel’s message and seeing the empty tomb?
- According to the sermon, what motivated the women to go to the tomb despite the risks and obstacles? [44:24]
Interpretation questions
- Why is the reality of the empty tomb essential to the Christian faith, and what would be different if Jesus had not risen? [31:45]
- In what ways does the women’s determination to anoint Jesus’ body reflect a deeper kind of love, and how does this contrast with the response of the male disciples? [41:55]
- How does the angel’s instruction to “go, tell” reflect God’s purpose for those who encounter the resurrection? [01:06:05]
- Why do you think the women were afraid even after receiving such good news, and what might this reveal about human nature when facing divine commissioning?
Application questions
- The empty tomb confirms that Jesus has defeated death and gives hope beyond suffering. How does the reality of the resurrection change the way you face disappointment, illness, or grief in your own life? [56:41]
- Love moves us to serve even when it’s costly or unnoticed. What is one practical way you can show Christ-like love in your family, workplace, or church this week—especially when no one is watching? [44:24]
- God calls people to different kinds of service—some to daily acts of care (diakonia) and others to lifelong surrender (doulos). How has God been shaping your heart to serve Him? What type of service is He inviting you into right now? [46:13]
- The women were told to proclaim the resurrection even though they were afraid. Who in your life needs to hear the hope of Jesus’ victory over death? What is one step you can take this week to share that message with them? [01:06:05]
- The resurrection relocates our hope from our own plans to God’s purposes. Are you holding onto a specific expectation of how God should work in your life? How can you surrender that to Him and trust His greater plan? [56:41]
- How can regularly remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection—through prayer, Scripture, or Communion—strengthen your faith and empower you for daily obedience and mission? [01:23:41]
- The sermon encouraged a 40-day commitment to seeking Christ in Scripture and action. What is one habit you can start to better align your daily life with the reality of the resurrection?
