Day 32 – Risen King, sent world

Opening Prayer

Risen Lord Jesus, speak peace into my fear today, and lead me to trust and follow you with joy.

Headline

The tomb is empty, the message is clear, and Jesus goes ahead—yet the first response is trembling fear.

Mark 16:1-8

 16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. ² Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb ³ and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

⁴ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. ⁵ As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

⁶ “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. ⁷ But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

⁸ Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

Note: Mark 16:9–20 is not found in the earliest manuscripts, so many consider it a later addition; we’re focusing on 16:1–8.

Comment

Mark’s Easter morning begins in the ordinary weight of grief. Three women come with spices, because death still seems so final. They’ve watched Jesus die. They’ve seen where he was laid. And as they walk, they’re not debating resurrection theories; they’re asking a practical question: “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” (v.3) Grief does that—it narrows your world to the next impossible thing.

But when they look up, the stone is already moved (v.4). And when they enter, the shock deepens: a young man in white sits there, and they are alarmed. He speaks words that still steady shaking hearts: “Don’t be alarmed.” (v.6) And then the news that changes everything: “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.” (v.6) Christianity begins, not with a feeling, but with a fact—God has acted. Death has been confronted and defeated.

Notice what the messenger does next: he points to evidence and gives a commission. Evidence: “See the place where they laid him.” (v.6) Commission: “Go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee.’” (v.7) That little phrase—“and Peter”—is pure mercy. The last time we saw Peter he was collapsing in denial and bitter tears. Yet the risen Jesus is already reaching for him. Failure is not the end. Grace has the final word.

And then Mark ends in a way that surprises us. The women flee, trembling and bewildered: “They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.” (v.8) That’s not how we expect resurrection stories to finish. But it’s deeply human. The first Easter morning is not wrapped in sentimental triumph. It’s fear, shock, awe—because if Jesus is risen, then nothing is the same. A risen King doesn’t merely comfort; he commands. He goes ahead. He calls us to follow.

So today, stand with these women. Bring your grief, your fear, your questions. Hear the message again: “He has risen!” (v.6) And hear the direction: he goes ahead of you (v.7). The road is not always easy—but you never walk it alone.

Reflect

• What “stone” feels too heavy for you right now—and what changes if Jesus is already at work ahead of you? (v.3–4)
• Why do you think the message includes “and Peter” (v.7)? Where do you need that kind of mercy today?
• What comfort is there in knowing the risen Jesus goes ahead of you (v.7)—into your week, your fear, your future?

Closing Prayer

Risen Lord Jesus, thank you that you are alive, and that death is not in charge. Thank you for the mercy that names “Peter”—and welcomes failures like me. Forgive my fear and my slowness to believe. Help me live today in the truth of your resurrection, with repentance, thankfulness, adoration, and devotion. And as you go ahead of me, give me courage to follow. Amen.