This is a stand-alone sermon by Ellwood Splane.
While things may have looked really bad on Good Friday, in three days, Jesus would be raised from the dead in accordance with the Scriptures. In this sermon, we look at several examples in the Old Testament where God does resurrection things on the third day, and how these point to how Christ would be raised from the dead on the third day.
After Jesus’ death, the disciples secluded themselves in fear. A few weeks later, they were proclaiming that Jesus had risen from the dead. What brought about this change? The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The historical facts of the resurrection of Jesus Christ confront our doubts and bring us face to face with life’s most important question: What will I do with the risen Christ.
When the women brought the message of the angels that Jesus is risen from the dead to the disciples, it seemed to them an idle tale. But in this good news, we have hope in a happy ending that is coming for those who put their trust in the risen Christ.
Mark ends his Gospel by describing the frightened reaction of the women who discovered the empty tomb. Just as the women were confronted with the Good News of the resurrection, we too must consider and respond.
We will either worship Jesus as the resurrected Saviour and Lord, or we will doubt Him. What will our response be to the resurrection of Jesus?