The Resurrection of our Lord

Text: Mark 16:1-8

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The Gospel this morning says that as Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome were walking to the tomb, they asked a simple yet practical question, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?”

But are these the only questions and fears pulsating through them in the twilight of this new day?

You’d have to imagine as they walked this road to the grave, their bodies were grief-stricken, their breathing quickened and intensified, and their legs and feet weighed down to the point that each step they took was as if they were walking in quicksand. Would this be their final journey to the one whom they loved?

What about their hearts? Were they filled with the sorrow that floods one’s eyes with perpetual tears that never seem to end?

Or their minds, were their questions more profound than “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?”

Were they asking, “What’s next for us?”

“Where do we go from here?”

“Is this hole in the belly of the earth really the end of all our hopes?”

Surely, you can relate to these women; you, too, have had to make this journey and dirge from the hearse to the deepest pit of the earth for your father or mother, husband, wife, or even child.

Is this grave and tomb really the end?

Does death end in such a way?

These are the hard questions you wrestle with, but this morning’s Gospel begins magnificently as it says, “When the Sabbath was past...and when the sun had risen.”

Sure, this may not seem like much to you, but a deep joy is already beginning to arise with these words, “When the Sabbath was past...and when the sun had risen.”

You see, it’s in the darkness of night, the darkness of this world and this life, when God works His greatest acts of redemption. For this reason, when the sun rises, it reveals the great and mighty deed God has done for you.

Or as the Psalmist wrote, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

This couldn’t be truer for the ladies traveling to the tomb in this morning’s Gospel.

They proceeded out of the twilight hours, their hearts and minds still living in the grief and darkness of Good Friday’s cross. In fact, as they approached the tomb, they found the stone rolled away and the young man sitting on the right side, and they became even more worked up.

But then something else happens. The young man, God's messenger, says, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen!

What beautiful words to hear, “You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.” You know, the one who died upon the cross, “He is risen!”

Where death and darkness persisted and dwelled, now life and salvation exist.

For this reason, the pastor’s final words as he stands at the entrance of your loved one’s grave deliver to you the same angelic greeting of hope and salvation as he says, Alleluia! Christ is risen!

What wonderful news to hear, what great words to keep!

He is risen!

So, dear friends, do not depart the grave, nor this day, in the same way you arrived.

Instead, remember the words of the Psalmist, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

Or, as the prophet Malachi wrote,

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. (Malachi 4:2)

Oh, what comfort for you who fear, trust, and believe in Christ Jesus – that in Him you have healing of body and soul. In Him, you have hope and salvation.

So, when the night of sadness and grief arrives, do not permit your hearts to become a grave of grief and despair. Instead, call out to Jesus and confess your sins and sorrows.

And then look to the cross and grave of Christ Jesus, the crucified, and say with all the faithful,

O Death, where is your sting?

O Hell, where is your victory?

Christ is risen, and you are overthrown.

Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen.

Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice.

Christ is risen, and life reigns.

Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave.

For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Amen.

***Note: The concluding portion of this sermon is from John Chrysostom's Easter sermon. ***