be proof of the resurrection - mark 15:42-16:8

The Empty Tomb... Mark concludes his gospel by telling of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Strangely, the women who first see the empty tomb respond with unbelieving fear and silence rather than joyful faith. Their failure to believe begs the question, what will these women and the disciples do with the message of Jesus being raised? It also begs the question, what will you do with this news.

Stuck in Saturday... Even as Christians we often live as if the tomb were the end of the story for Jesus. its like we are stuck in a never ending Saturday where Jesus is buried and defeated without any power to bring us forgiveness or to change our lives. We life in this place of defeat because we neglect the gospel in our lives... we don't daily meditate upon its truths and we don't daily forsake sin and believe its message.

The Power of God... Thankfully, the truth is that Jesus has been raised, and this message is the "power of God" (Romans 1:16). The same power that raised Jesus from the dead has secured forgiveness for the repentant and is transforming the life of the one who has faith in Him. Your transformed Christian life reveals God's power and becomes the greatest modern proof that the resurrection is true.

*Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. Why is the resurrection so essential to our faith?

2. When was a time that you felt "stuck in Saturday"? What is the remedy for such a rut?

3. How will you preach the gospel to yourself this week?