13.3 The Women at the Tomb
From Silence to Proclamation

Read Mark 16:1–8. What happened and how did the women initially react?

In Mark 16:1–8, we see the women who go to Jesus’ tomb after the Sabbath to anoint his body, but they encounter an unexpected reality: the tomb is empty, and an angel announces to them that Jesus has risen. The women initially react with fear and trembling and flee from the tomb without telling anyone.

This reaction of the women contrasts with the reader’s knowledge, who knows from the beginning about Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. However, in the Gospel of Mark, there is a repeated silence about Jesus’ true identity and his miracles. Jesus apparently wanted to ensure that the time for his revelation came at the right moment, in accordance with prophetic timelines.

At first, the women are so overwhelmed with fear and amazement that they do not immediately share what they have seen. But this silence does not last long. At the end of the Gospel of Mark, we learn that the message of Jesus’ resurrection was spread: “But they went out and preached everywhere” (Mark 16:20). The silence is broken, and the good news of Jesus’ victory over death becomes the central message of Jesus’ followers.

This story reminds us that we are also called not to remain silent but to boldly and joyfully proclaim the hope and new life made possible through Christ’s resurrection. What began in fear ends in the power and confidence of the Gospel.

Why must we not remain silent about Jesus and his deeds? With whom can you talk about Jesus and the plan of redemption today?

We must not remain silent about Jesus and his deeds because his message is the foundation of hope, forgiveness, and eternal life. Jesus’ resurrection and his sacrifice on the cross are the path to redemption for all people. If we remain silent about him, the good news of God’s love and salvation plan for the world remains untold, and many people might not experience the liberating truth that could change their lives. Jesus himself gave us the mission to carry his message forward: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).

Today, you can talk about Jesus with people in your immediate environment—friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors. It doesn’t always have to be a long sermon. Sometimes, sharing your own experiences of how faith has given you strength, hope, or peace is enough. Even in everyday conversations, you can sow small seeds of the Gospel that God can use to touch hearts.

Like the women at Jesus’ tomb, who initially remained silent out of fear and uncertainty, we sometimes face the challenge of sharing our faith. The message of Jesus’ resurrection, which first brought fear to the women, ultimately became a source of courage and joy. This transformation reminds us that we are also called to overcome our fears and boldly proclaim the good news.

In our daily lives, we encounter many situations where we can bear witness—not only through words but also through our actions, behavior, and the expression of our hope in difficult times. The story of the women at the tomb shows us that even in moments of uncertainty and fear, faith ultimately triumphs, and proclaiming the resurrection power of Christ is central to our lives as Christians.

This means that our faith should not remain a private matter. The hope we have through Christ is a message that others need to hear because it can change lives—just as it changed the lives of the disciples and the women at the tomb. Proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection is a call to all of us to stand firm in our faith and share the Gospel wherever we are, whether in the family, among friends, or at the workplace.

In everyday life, we can bear witness in both small and significant moments by sharing the love and hope of Christ through our behavior, our words, and our support for others. The good news of Jesus is not just a historical fact but a living call that resonates in every moment of our lives.

Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that from every end, a new beginning full of hope and life can emerge.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-the-risen-lord-13-3-the-women-at-the-tomb-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

September 24, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 12

¹ In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

² For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

³ Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

⁴ And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

⁵ But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

⁷ But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

⁸ Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

⁹ But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

¹⁰ And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

¹¹ And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

¹² For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

¹³ And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

¹⁴ And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

¹⁵ And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

¹⁶ And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

¹⁷ And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

¹⁸ And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

¹⁹ And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

²⁰ But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

²¹ So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

²² And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

²³ The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

²⁴ Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

²⁵ And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

²⁶ If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

²⁷ Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

²⁸ If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

²⁹ And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

³⁰ For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

³¹ But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

³² Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

³³ Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

³⁴ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

³⁵ Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

³⁶ And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

³⁷ Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

³⁸ And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

³⁹ And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

⁴⁰ Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

⁴¹ Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

⁴² And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

⁴³ Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

⁴⁴ Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

⁴⁵ But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

⁴⁶ The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

⁴⁷ And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

⁴⁸ But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

⁴⁹ I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

⁵⁰ But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

⁵¹ Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

⁵² For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

⁵³ The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

⁵⁴ And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

⁵⁵ And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.

⁵⁶ Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

⁵⁷ Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

⁵⁸ When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

⁵⁹ I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

The 12th chapter of the Gospel of Luke offers profound teachings on the necessity of openly confessing one’s faith, avoiding the dangers of greed, and not being dominated by material concerns. Jesus warns his disciples and the crowd about hypocrisy and encourages them to fear God, who holds power over eternal life. At the same time, He emphasizes God’s care for each of His creatures and urges people to prioritize the Kingdom of God. This chapter highlights the responsibility of believers and calls for vigilance, especially in anticipation of Christ’s return.

Commentary:

In Luke chapter 12, Jesus speaks urgently about courage, trust, and the true priorities in a believer’s life. His admonition to boldly confess the faith was addressed to a time and culture where following Him often meant facing persecution. These words are no less relevant today. The call to fear God more than humans shows that our eternity and relationship with God are of far greater importance than temporary human threats.

The warning against hypocrisy and the emphasis that everything hidden will come to light reminds us that God’s knowledge and justice are all-encompassing. Nothing is hidden from Him. At the same time, Jesus offers comfort, saying that God knows even the smallest details of our lives—such as the number of hairs on our heads—and values us deeply.

A central theme of this chapter is the correct attitude toward possessions. In the parable of the rich fool, the fleeting nature of material wealth and the foolishness of greed are highlighted. Jesus reminds us that true life is not found in the abundance of possessions but in our relationship with God and our preparation for eternity.

The section on worrying shows that believers should place their trust in God’s provision. The examples of the ravens and lilies illustrate that God provides for us without us needing to toil anxiously. The call to “seek first the Kingdom of God” sums up the entire chapter: Everything else will be added to us when we align our priorities with God.

Summary:

Luke chapter 12 is a powerful call for believers to courageously confess their faith, trust in God, and not be ruled by material things. Jesus emphasizes God’s infinite care for His creation and urges us to abandon greed and unnecessary worries. He reminds us that our true life is in God, not in possessions. Additionally, He calls for vigilance, stressing the importance of being prepared for His return. These teachings encourage us to clearly set our priorities and place God first in our lives.

 

Introduction:

In Chapter 65, we witness a pivotal event from the life of Jesus, where He once again cleanses the temple of unholy business dealings. This scene highlights the sanctity of the temple as a place of worship and demonstrates Jesus’ commitment to true worship. At the same time, Jesus reveals Himself as the divine King and Judge, fighting against hypocrisy and corruption in the temple, while the Jewish leaders grow increasingly hostile towards Him.

Commentary:

The cleansing of the temple is a powerful symbol of purity and respect in worship. Jesus demonstrates that true worship is not about outward rituals, but about obedience and a sincere heart. By driving out the merchants and healing the sick within the temple, He reveals the contrast between His mission of healing and the greed of the religious leaders. This act of Jesus serves as a profound warning to all believers not to honor God merely through rituals, but through lives that embody love, justice, and compassion. The hypocrisy of the priests, who rejected Jesus’ authority, is an example of how the religious elite can reject spiritual truths.

Summary:

The second cleansing of the temple underscores Jesus’ role as the divine King and Judge, who purifies the temple of corruption and restores it as a place of true worship. His actions show that God values obedience and a sincere heart over ritual sacrifices. The response of the religious leaders, who opposed Him, symbolizes the rejection of divine truth and serves as a serious warning. Jesus’ parables, such as the one about the cornerstone, call for repentance and illustrate that Christ is the central foundation of our faith—the rock upon which we must build.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/24-09-2024-luke-chapter-12-believe-his-prophets/