BIBLE READING:
Mark 14:1–16:20
PREVIEW
Whether you have ever been to a funeral or not, you are probably familiar with what a grave site looks like. That’s because you have probably passed by countless cemeteries and may have even ventured to walk through a few. So imagine how dismayed you would be if you passed by a grave a couple of days after the funeral, and found that the grave was open and the body was gone.
On the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion, three women go to Jesus’ tomb to embalm his body with spices. But when they get there, they find an empty tomb. But then an angel tells them that Jesus is alive! As you read, rejoice with these women that Jesus has risen!
PERSONAL APPLICATION
The fact that Jesus rose from the dead is important for several reasons. First, he paid the penalty for our sin that we could never pay ourselves. His resurrection was the final act in redeeming fallen humankind from a sinful nature. Second, coming back to life proved that he is the one and only God, the author of life. No leader of any other world religion has ever come back from the grave. Third, his resurrection was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Jesus’ resurrection was a fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption. Fourth, Christ’s resurrection not only fulfilled prophecies but also kept the promise he made to rise again. He proved to his followers that he is trustworthy. Fifth, his resurrection is an assurance that all believers in Christ will one day be resurrected, too.
Jesus’ resurrection is a miracle in and of itself that makes him worthy of our praise. Thank and worship him for his personal sacrifice to redeem you. At the same time, thank and worship the Father for raising his Son from the grave and for designing and implementing a wonderful plan for saving humanity.
Life and Teachings of Jesus
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