Easter Sunday devotion - Mark 16:1-8

Easter Sunday

Gospel Reading: Mark 16:1-8

Mark 16:1 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. (NIV)

            And so Holy Week ends where it had begun – with women carrying perfume to cleanse and anoint the body of Jesus. Throughout this whole week, most of the men have failed Christ but the women have remained loyal, devoted, and courageous. They loved Him dearly and so they wanted to allow Him some dignity in His death, of which the Roman soldiers and religious leaders had mercilessly robbed Him.

            Quietly and faithfully, the women approach the tomb together. They are probably still weeping and supporting each other physically. They know that this is the right thing to do. The ministry and gifts of women are going to supersede the power and brutality of men. They come out of duty, as well as compassion. They come because they are women called by God to serve His Son.

            And then this beautiful moment in the whole of history occurs. The women are told that Jesus is not there, but that He has actually risen from the dead. They are utterly surprised and naturally fearful. They do not understand what has happened, but they have become the first people on Earth to receive this wonderful news. The ministry of Christ continues in the hands of those who loved Him best. Their lives are never the same again and our world is changed forevermore.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Point to ponder

How have women sustained, shared, and advanced the ministry of Christ in my life, across history, and around the world?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we praise You for this special and most glorious day. We thank You for the gifts of forgiveness and eternal life that come through Your grace. And we are also grateful for the love, devotion, and ministry of women in Your Church and throughout the world. In your Holy Name, we joyfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You’ll be made very welcome.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Easter drawings called “Easter 2018.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Easter.