1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. 2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. 3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? 4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. 5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. 6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. 7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. 8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid. (Mark 16:1-8 KJV )
The Resurrection
Never was there a sabbath like this one, which the first words of this chapter tell us was now past; during all this sabbath, our Lord Jesus lay in the grave. It was a sabbath of rest for him, but a silent one; for his disciples, it was a sorrowful sabbath, filled with tears and fear. The sabbath services in the temple were never more offensive to God than they were now, when the chief priests, who led them, had their hands full of the blood of Christ. This sabbath is now over, and the first day of the week marks the beginning of a new world.
The good women who had attended Jesus came to his tomb—not out of superstition, but out of devotion. They left their lodgings early in the morning, at daybreak or before. Whether they had a long walk or encountered some delay, it was sunrise when they arrived at the tomb. They had bought sweet spices and came not only to weep over the body but also to anoint it (Mark 16:1). Nicodemus had already brought a large quantity of dry spices (John 19:39), but the women brought additional spices, possibly perfumed oils, to honor him. The respect others show to Christ should not stop us from expressing our own.
On the way, they worried about who would roll the stone away from the tomb’s entrance, for it was very large (Mark 16:3-4). They should have considered this before setting out. An even greater obstacle awaited them—soldiers guarding the tomb—but they didn’t know about that. Yet their devoted love led them there, and by the time they arrived, both the stone and the guard had been removed. The stone being rolled away was their first surprise. Those who diligently seek Christ often find that obstacles mysteriously disappear and that they are helped in ways beyond their expectations.
They entered the tomb and saw that Jesus’ body was no longer there. He, who by his death paid our debt, through his resurrection received our discharge. It was clear proof that his sacrifice was accepted and that he was indeed the Son of God.
They saw a young man sitting on the right side of the tomb. The angel appeared as a young man, for angels, though created in the beginning, never grow old. Glorified saints will be like them—perfect in beauty and strength. The angel wore a long white robe, like that of a nobleman. Though his presence should have comforted them, they were frightened. Often, what should bring us joy unsettles us because of our misunderstandings.
The angel reassured them, telling them there was reason to rejoice, not to be afraid (Mark 16:6). “You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.” Believing hearts seek Christ as the crucified one (1 Corinthians 2:2), longing to know him and share in his sufferings. He was crucified, but now he is glorified. The shame of the cross only magnifies the glory of his resurrection. That’s why the angel still calls him “Jesus who was crucified.” Jesus himself says, “I am he that lives and was dead” (Revelation 1:18), and appears in heaven as a Lamb that was slain (Revelation 5:6).
“It will be good news to you,” the angel said, “that instead of anointing a dead body, you may rejoice in a living Savior. He is risen. He is not here. Look at the place where they laid him. He is not missing because he was stolen, but because he has risen.”
The angel then instructed them to tell the disciples. These women were made apostles to the apostles, a reward for their devotion at the cross and the tomb. They were the first to come and the first to receive the news. No other disciples dared approach the tomb; only a few women came, and they were not strong enough to move the stone.
They were to tell the disciples that Jesus was risen. It was a dark time for them—their Master was dead, their hopes crushed, and they were hiding in fear. The angel urged, “Go quickly and tell them.” This would lift their spirits and save them from despair.
Christ is not ashamed of his disciples, even in his exalted state. He made sure they heard the news. Despite their failure in deserting him, he still cared for them. Those who mourn for Jesus will receive comfort in due time, and he will make himself known to them.
They were also to tell Peter by name. Mark, likely writing under Peter’s guidance, notes this. Though Peter was among the disciples, he might have doubted whether the news applied to him, having denied his Lord. The angel anticipated this and said, “Tell Peter.” Penitent hearts need the assurance that Christ welcomes them. A sight of Christ will be most welcome to a true penitent, and the penitent will be warmly welcomed by Christ.
They were to remind the disciples, and Peter in particular, that Jesus would meet them in Galilee, just as he had said (Matthew 26:32). The journey to Galilee would give them time to reflect on Jesus’ words about his death and resurrection. In Jerusalem, among enemies, they couldn’t regain composure to fully grasp the good news.
All meetings between Christ and his disciples are on his terms. He never forgets his promises and always comes with a blessing. In every encounter with his people, Christ takes the initiative—he goes before you.
The women quickly left the tomb and ran to tell the disciples (Mark 16:8). They were trembling and amazed. If they had remembered and believed Jesus’ words about rising on the third day, they would have approached the tomb with joyful expectation. Instead, they were overcome with fear. They didn’t tell anyone else along the way, fearing the news was too good to be true. Our fears often keep us from doing the work Christ has for us. Strong faith and the joy it brings would make us far more useful to him and to others.