Mark 16:1-8
1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Main Idea
THE MAGNITUDE OF CHRIST’S MIRACLE IS THAT HE DEFEATED DEATH.
Outline
1. WHEN THE TOMB IS SHUT: REMEMBER GOD MAKES A WAY (VV1-4)
2. ONCE THE TOMB IS OPEN: GO AND LOOK FOR YOURSELF (V5)
3. BECAUSE THE TOMB IS EMPTY: PLACE YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST (VV6-8)
Discussion Questions
WHEN THE TOMB IS SHUT: REMEMBER GOD MAKES A WAY (VV1-4)
The women came to the tomb expecting a problem they could not solve, what does that reveal about their understanding of Jesus’ promises?
Why do we often focus more on the “stone” in front of us than on what God has already said or done?
How does God’s action in moving the stone ahead of them reshape how we think about obstacles in our own lives?
Where in your life right now does something feel “sealed shut” or impossible?
What would it look like, practically, to trust that God is already at work before you arrive at the problem?
How can remembering God’s past faithfulness help you face present uncertainty?
ONCE THE TOMB IS OPEN: GO AND LOOK FOR YOURSELF (V5)
Why do you think the angel invites the women to see rather than just telling them what happened?
How does this moment challenge the idea that faith is just emotional or inherited?
In what ways have you personally “seen” evidence of Jesus in your life, Scripture, or experience?
Are there areas where you are relying on someone else’s faith instead of engaging Christ for yourself?
What is one step you can take this week to intentionally “look” at Jesus, through Scripture, prayer, or reflection?
BECAUSE THE TOMB IS EMPTY: PLACE YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST (VV6-8)
Why is the empty tomb central to the Christian faith, what is at stake if the resurrection is not true?
The women respond with fear and amazement, why do you think the resurrection produces both?
What does it mean, practically, to place your faith in the risen Christ, not just believe facts about Him?
Where are you tempted to live as if death, fear, or sin still have the final say?
What is one area this week where you need to actively trust the risen Jesus instead of relying on yourself?
Looking Forward
What is one specific area of your life this week where you need to stop living in fear or doubt and instead actively trust and follow the risen Jesus?
Prayer Focus
Pray for…
Faith to truly believe that Jesus has defeated sin and death
Trust in God when situations feel impossible or closed off
Eyes to see and hearts to understand the truth of the resurrection
Courage to move from doubt to personal faith in Christ
Freedom from fear, knowing that death does not have the final word
A deeper relationship with the living, risen Jesus
Boldness to share the hope of the empty tomb with others
Lives that reflect the reality that Jesus is alive and reigning