A new day

 

The crucifixion was over. The body of Jesus lay in the sealed up tomb. For the Sabbath day, everyone had time to ponder the big questions – why?  How? Where?  When?

But the journey in Mark's record is not finished. The first day of the week has come and the women who watched Jesus die, had prepared spices for embalming. Mark with usual brevity, describes the ongoing journey. The sun had risen and the women are surprised at the tomb to find the large stone rolled away from the door. Venturing in, they see a young man in white who spoke:

"Don't be afraid. You seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified: He has risen. He is not here. See the place where they laid Him"

To the women these words were unbelievable!

Mary of Magdala encountered Jesus alive from the dead, but the disciples were slow to believe the reports. Two other people were engaged in conversation with the Lord Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Finally the Lord Jesus appeared to the eleven and commissioned them to take the Gospel to the whole creation – a very great task for the stumbling disciples.  But the promise of salvation, the power of the Holy Spirit would make it possible.

But what of the journey with Jesus. The time has arrived for the parting of the ways. Jesus was now risen from the dead, with the appointed destiny being at the right hand of God in heaven. So as He blessed them, He was taken up into heaven to take up His rightful place as both "Lord and Christ".

The apostles went everywhere, declaring the good news that the once crucified Jesus was now alive as Lord and Saviour.

This story has no end. Through eternity we will praise the "Lamb that was slain"

We have reached the end of Mark's record, and I ask you to read it again taking note of the many things that are 'not normal'. These are signs of God at work.

Some will point out that I have not really explained why the Lord Jesus died.  Quite so, for I was following the narrative  recorded by Mark. I plan to follow these articles with teaching from Peter (Marks's mentor), who explains the "why" very well.

Stay tuned

If you don't have a Bible, try reading it in your own language from  www.biblegateway.com