Key Truth: Jesus has risen indeed so that we may walk in newness of life and compel others to join us in God’s reconciled family.

Introduction:

Q: What stories, news, or information compels you to share them?

An Empty Tomb and A Risen Savior:

Mark 16:1-7

“The announcement of the angel is not one of deserved blame but a promise of gathering and going before them! God completes his plans for the church despite human failure. If the word of grace from the resurrected Lord includes a traitor like Peter, readers of the Gospel may be assured that it includes those of their community who have also failed Christ.”

James R. Edwards, The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel According to Mark

Q: What are some ways in which you have benefitted from the resurrection of Jesus?

Fear and Silence in Light of the Resurrection:

Mark 16:8

“The ending touches on the problem that fallible humans must live with failure. The way of discipleship is not a triumphant procession through the world, like a hot knife cutting through butter. It is a way pocked by personal failure after personal failure. It may seem that the Gospel ends on a pessimistic note because Mark does not report that the women successfully fulfill their commission. Mark’s story, however, is not about the disciples’ foolishness and failure. The gospel is about the power of God, which overcomes dysfunction and disaster. We know that Jesus’ resurrection was proclaimed and is being proclaimed throughout the world, just as Jesus said it would. This means that God’s will and Jesus’ promise have been fulfilled despite human disobedience.”

David E. Garland, The NIV Application Commentary: Mark

Q: What are some ways in which you are sharing the resurrection of Jesus with others to compel them to join us in God’s reconciled family? 

Mark 16:1-8 teaches us that:

-Jesus has risen indeed

-we too are risen indeed to compel others to join us in God’s reconciled family

Benediction:

1 Corinthians 15:54-58