Day 318 – Matthew 28, Mark 16

Talking Points

• Jesus is alive! Of all the announcements of Scripture, this one is surely the most amazing. God Himself had come as a man to save men. Jesus had lived a life, never once sinning, which made it possible for Him to be our redeeming sacrificial lamb. He had died on the cross, paying the price for sin in His own blood. Many had witnessed it. His body was taken and somberly placed in a borrowed tomb. Jesus was dead — actually, physically dead. And, then…!!!
• Women were dear friends of our Savior. Women had traveled and served with Jesus, some even financing His public ministry. And, now, it was a group of women who would be the first witnesses to the empty tomb. Even more profound, it was a woman tasked with being the very first testifier to the Lord’s resurrection. Praise our Lord who affords all people the opportunity to exalt His name!
• Some of what we read in Mark chapter 16 is not found in the earlier manuscripts of Mark’s gospel. Should that concern us? Actually, not like you may suspect. The fact that we are finding earlier manuscripts is a good thing. The fact that we can say with open integrity, “These earlier manuscripts are different,” shows the desire to build the clearest, best, and most reliable collection of source documents available. In my translation, the differences are set off with brackets — clearly marked and not hidden. Those statements can then be evaluated by the reader as to their consistency with the rest of Scripture. We can be confident: God’s Word will stand and there is nothing to hide.

Thoughts

As we come to the end of two gospel accounts, there is a clear and happy exhortation from Jesus Himself — now, go and tell somebody! Isn’t that what we do with good news? And, isn’t the truth we have heard of Jesus the absolute best news?

We have hope! In Jesus, there is forgiveness of sins and a new start offered! In His resurrection, death is defeated and victory is loudly declared! Because of Christ, we can know God and exist in peace with Him! There is nothing left unfinished. In His power, Jesus has done it all! And, best of all, in great grace and immeasurable love — such great love — it is available to every single person!

May we heed the words of Jesus. This news is too great to keep to ourselves. Now, go and tell somebody!