EASTER SUNDAY

Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

On the Friday of the crucifixion, there was darkness and despair for some and feelings of victory for others. Jesus was nailed to the cross at 9am that Friday morning, at noon the sky grew dark, at 3pm Jesus breathed His last and then at 6pm, Joseph took the body of Jesus down from the cross and buried Him.  One can imagine the conflict in emotions the disciples must have been feeling in those hours following the events of Mark 15. The stone had been rolled into place in front of the tomb and it was assumed by most they would never hear from Jesus again. 

The disciples had gathered in a secret place in those days following the crucifixion. John 20 tells us they were afraid and were hiding behind locked doors. Some of the women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome were waiting until the Sabbath ended so they could follow Jewish tradition which was to prepare the body for burial, even though He had already been buried according to Mosaic Law (Deut. 21:22-23). And on this Easter Sunday, that’s where I’d like to pick up the story. 

Mark 16:1-6 (NKJV) Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 

1. The pain of the waiting  

Vs 1Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him 

• Even though they heard Jesus speak many times about His resurrection, they certainly didn’t understand, maybe didn’t believe, His words
• They loved Him, trusted Him, but now were preparing to say goodbye to Him  

2. The uncertainty of our circumstances 

Vss 2-3 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 

• While the disciples were hiding, these women made their way to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus
• As they approached the garden tomb that Sunday morning, their greatest concern was how to gain entrance to the tomb…”Who will roll away the stone?”
• Their hearts weren’t full of expectation on this first Easter Sunday, they were only worried about their own difficult circumstances 

3. The surprise of the unexpected 

Vs 4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large.

• The women were shocked at what they saw, the very problem they had been worried about was fixed because the stone was gone
• The passage doesn’t give us an indication as to who moved the stone, only because it was clearly a supernatural act
• Jesus had done exactly has he promised…despite the worry and anxiety of the women as they approached this place of miracles

4. The promise of the miraculous 

Vss 5-6 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 

• The women were greeted by two angels as they arrived. (Luke 24) but Mark only mentions one
• This angel announces, once again, what Jesus had already said so many times before…He will rise again
• Regardless of our doubts or fears, regardless of what’s impossible, God will ALWAYS do exactly as He says!

What has God said to all of us? 

Romans 10:9-13 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”