Testimonies of the Resurrection | Mark 16
Mark 16
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Chapter Notables:
Jesus rises from the dead, the two Marys visit the tomb - verses 1-8
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene first day of the week - verses 9-11
Jesus appears in a different form to two while walking - verses 12-13
Jesus appears to the Eleven and gives them the Commission - verses 14-20
Show Up | Lemuel Ayudtud
Sometimes it’s easier to say something until I actually do it. There are people who like to brag about the things that they can do without any proof. But if you want substance and quality of story, you got to show up.
The resurrection of the Lord Jesus is without controversy. Because it is a phenomenal occurrence, it’s hard to believe that something actually happened. But our faith, the substance of our faith, rests on the resurrection of Jesus. Paul, the apostle, wrote to the Corinthian church, “If Christ has not been raised your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” From this writing we can see that Paul and the early church earmarked their faith to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. To them, as it should to us, without the resurrection Christianity is a sham.
This chapter explores to us testimonies of the resurrection of Jesus. Mark shares multiple experiences of individuals that saw Jesus come back to life. Of course, we were not there to have seen it, so we trust in the narrative of the scripture of the resurrection of Jesus. This is no mere teaching or story or a good deed from the Lord. The resurrection of Jesus is pivotal in the supernatural faith that we hold dear.
Why should this mean so much to us? And what does it actually tell us about our faith?
POWER
The resurrection of Jesus gives power to our message. The Gospel is not just some feel good teaching. It’s not just a message of recovery, restoration, or hope. True that it is all of that, but the resurrection is the punch to that message. It’s not just for feeling’s sake.
If we truly grasp the message of the resurrection, then we understand that this, our faith, pivots on the supernatural. There is a physical, supernatural manifestation to our verbal declarations. Since the resurrection reveals the ultimate power of God, then what Jesus taught us about the power of faith and of the Gospel is real, therefore, it is something we should embrace and walk in.
Sure someone could show up and ask, “How do you know the resurrection is true? How do you know what the Bible tells about death and the living Christ is real?” No, we were not there; but the power of the rose Jesus from the dead has been experienced by us. We that were once hopeless and lost, have no direction and insight. There are countless testimonies of the power of the resurrected King. With people being healed from fatal diseases, folks delivered from demonic possessions, and a few even raised from the dead; the power and truth of the resurrection cannot be shelved.
SUBSTANCE
The resurrection of Jesus give substance to our hope. If truly Jesus Christ rose from the dead, then there’s hope for us. And we are not just floating in our own headspace, imagining things that are not possible.
The resurrection gives foundation to our hope and anchors our daily expectations of victory. It gives reality to our ethereal thinking. We’re not grasping and hoping that we are in the truth; the resurrection of Jesus gives our claims weight and substance.
Sure, we weren’t there with Mary or Martha or the disciples of Jesus that saw Him rise from the dead. But our own experiences bears witness to the power of Jesus. Our lives changed by the gospel, our minds renewed, our hope restored bears witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
FUTURE
Once we fully grasp the reality and the truth of the resurrection of Jesus, we can speak with boldness about His second coming. Since Jesus resurrected, then everything He had declared as promises is true. And because it is true, then our hope for the future is secured, our salvation it sure, and eternal life as for us. We can look forward to the future knowing that says Jesus rose from the dead, then we will rise again with Him after our deaths.
The believer is not just a storyteller. We are not just some talebearer going from house to house sharing old wives’ tales. Who we declare God is is true. Therefore, when we talk about His goodness, His greatness, His kindness, His ability to heal and forgive, all of these are not just talking points to a good sermon; they can happen and have happened. It’s not just talk. God shows up.
Lord, thank You for the truth of Your resurrection. Thank You for overcoming death. I have hope today because of the resurrection. Lord, teach me to embrace the power in my life that the resurrection gives me. Help me to walk in confidence knowing that what You promised every believer is possible even today. Help me to go beyond my mind into the authority You’ve given me in this world. Give me the boldness to preach Your word and to be a conduit of the same power that raised You from the dead. I pray this in Your Name, Jesus, amen.
