Mark 16:1-8 Just As He Told You

This Sunday, we providentially come to Mark 16:1-8 on Mother’s Day. This passage highlights the women devoted to Jesus who witnessed His death and burial and now discover the empty tomb—the greatest event in human history. After watching their Lord crucified and buried, these devoted women go to the tomb, undoubtedly in grief and hopelessness. Yet, their love for Jesus spurs them to honor Him in His burial. Their purpose is to anoint His body, so we know they did not expect a resurrection. The women even find themselves unable to do this smallest of acts. They have no one to move the stone and let them in the tomb. When they arrive at the tomb, however, they receive the good news that Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, has risen. Then the young man (who Matthew says is an angel) tells the women to declare this news to the “disciples and Peter.” Peter is singled out because the last time we saw him, he was weeping and broken, having denied Jesus three times. Now, it is clear that Jesus has not written Peter off despite his betrayal. This Mother’s Day, Mark 16:1-8 shows us how the resurrection speaks directly into our lives, especially when hope feels lost, fear overwhelms, or failure looms large. Because Christ is risen, we can go to Jesus, trust His word fully, and follow Him even in our weakness and failure. I. When all hope is lost—go to Jesus anyway (v. 1-3). II. When the gospel is proclaimed—trust Jesus’ word (v. 4-6). III. When fear and failure overwhelm—follow Jesus anyway (v. 7-8).