Sermons

Summary: Today's big question is: "What does the Good News that He is (truly) alive mean to YOU?" It is something we all have to grapple with, and there is no better time than Easter Sunday!

What will you believe? (Easter 2025)

Mark 16:1-7

Introduction

- Welcome to Seasons! We are so glad you have chosen to be here today!

-- Prayerfully, you’re AWAKE and CELEBRATING that HE IS ALIVE!!

-- That was the intention of a little more pep in our music – did it work?

- This morning, we celebrate the wonderful FACT of His resurrection! Why?

-- Today IS the completion of God’s plan: remove sin & redeem His creation

-- It is a not only a day of remembrance – but should be a day of JOY!!

Read Mark 16:1-7

Pray

Point 1 – SEE: The tomb is empty!

- The women would have been coming (in mourning) to anoint Jesus’ body (v1)

-- Why? 1st century: Would’ve helped with the aroma during decomposition

-- Understand: Their motivation is a gesture of love: to care for & honor Him

- They are headed to the tomb at daybreak (realistically, in order to see their way)

-- RE: The Jewish week begins on Sunday (Sabbath celebrated on Sat) (v2)

-- RE: when the Sabbath would’ve ended (6pm) it would already be too dark

- As they are walking, they ask: “Who will roll away the stone for us?” (v3)

-- The tomb is sealed (saw him buried); they’re worried: who will help us?

-- And in the Gospel of Matthew we know that guards were placed at the tomb

-- Consider this: They are only thinking about their own personal challenges

- BIG: Jesus prophesied specifically that He would rise after his death

-- Mark 9:31, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” (Repeats in Mark 10:34)

-- They haven’t put it together: THIS is the 3rd day - He should now be ALIVE!

- CHALL: How often do we focus on circumstances instead of God’s promises?

-- When God gives us a promise, do we doubt Him when it’s not immediate?

-- APP: Do we limit God’s ability to provide the things we need? (pause)

- So … when they arrived at the tomb they see something … amazing!

• The stone has already been rolled away (v4)

• A young man (GR: neaniskos; attendant) dressed in a white robe (v5)

• He is seated on the right side (place of honor) of the tomb, and,

• They are given the greatest message any has received before or since

- FACT: The bible records that they are “shocked” – without a response!

-- Greek: ekthambeó; astounded or alarmed

- Please do not miss this … If they really understood and believed what Jesus said:

1. They should’ve known they are going to find Jesus alive

2. They are having a conversation with an angel sent from God

a. This servant is a messenger from God to bring Good News

b. We’ve studied this time and again: God often sends messengers

c. He wants us to know, to remember, to rejoice in what He has done!

3. As if that is not awesome enough … he says, “Jesus isn’t here!” (Read: v6)

- TR: We have to chat about the importance of this statement …

Point 2 – Why? Truly, He is not there anymore!

- To the Christian, v6 ought to be the most important verse of this Gospel

• Yes, it is all good and should all be studied – but why? (PHOTO)

• EXCITED: He is not here – He has risen from the dead!

• Invitation: Come see where His body USED to be!!

- FACT: This one verse – one truth – is what ALL of our hope is based on!

-- APPLY: If this is a lie … then what in the Bible can be counted on as true?

- This is what we’ve been studying in Isaiah that would take place (Chs. 7, 9, 11)

-- APP: God would send a Messiah & His Messiah would conquer sin & death!

- Understand this: God does not only give good news - but He also instructs us!

-- This attendant’s message is one of clear instruction: “Now … Go and Tell!”

-- Remember, all the disciples fled and abandoned Jesus when He was arrested

-- Mark 14:50, “Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away.”

- Subtle; Don’t miss: there is even an importance of mentioning Peter by name

-- Why? Peter denied being associated with Jesus when he was challenged …

-- (RE: the third time he denied Jesus) Mark 14:71, “Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying - I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” (the rooster crowed)

- APP: To Peter, this news would’ve been a mixed bag: good & bad …

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