Mark 16:1-8

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Resurrection

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The empty tomb is compelling evidence for the Resurrection.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. We can see obstacles removed as we move forward in our devotion to Christ.

  2. Remember that our feelings are important to God.

QUESTIONS

  1. Who were the women at the crucifixion and at the tomb?

  2. What was their concern on the way to the tomb?

  3. Who did they see when they entered the weeping chamber?

  4. Is there a problem because of the differences in the gospel accounts concerning the angels?

  5. How is the empty tomb evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

  6. Why do theories other than the resurrection have a hollow ring?

  7. What obstacle was removed for the women? What is the lesson here for us?

ANSWERS

  1. Mary Magdalene; Mary, the mother of James the Less or the son of Alpheus; and Salome, the wife of Zebedee, the mother of James and John, two of the disciples.

  2. How they could roll away the heavy stone from the opening of the tomb.

  3. They saw a young man, an angel.

  4. No. In fact, eye-witness accounts authenticate the situation. In Luke's and John's gospel accounts, two angels are mentioned; in Matthew and Mark, only one angel is spoken of, but they don't say that there was only one. Each writer simply focussed on the angel who was speaking. The fact that there are differences in the accounts is evidence of non- collusion, but of four independent witnesses to the same event.

  5. The empty tomb is compelling evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The angel calls attention to the fact that it is empty. The empty tomb cannot be explained away, even by legend. No reputable or thinking scholar today doubts the empty tomb.

  6. To the contrary, there is too much evidence, and the other theories do not make sense because there are too many details that would have to be explained away.

  7. The stone was rolled away. As we move forward in faith, obstacles are removed.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. God showed His concern for the feelings of the women. Do you ever think that your feelings are not important to God? Do a Bible search on this portion of Scripture and on other portions that show God's care and concern for the feelings of His people. Your feelings are important to God.

  2. What does the empty tomb mean to you? How is it expressed in your life?

CHALLENGE

  1. God removed the stone. Have you experienced the removal of obstacles as you moved forward in your devotion to Christ?

KEY VERSES

  • "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here." (Mark 16:6)

Mark, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsMark 16:1-8