As the angel readied himself to carry out Jesus’ instructions to His followers, he felt a surge of joyful anticipation. The weight of the moment, the profound significance of the resurrection, and the eternal impact it would have on humanity filled him with excitement. He eagerly embraced his role as the messenger, knowing he carried news that would fill hearts and spirits with jubilation.
In the days leading up to the resurrection, betrayal and denial echoed through the halls of Jerusalem. Jesus, burdened by the knowledge of what was to come, spent his final hours in prayer, grappling with the weight of humanity’s salvation yet submitting His will to the Father’s plan. The faithful and obedient angel had witnessed the anguish etched on Jesus’ face as he knelt in the garden of Gethsemane, seeking the Father’s strength. Now, exuberant over heaven’s resurrection power, this celestial being prepared to carry out Jesus’ instructions.
The Backstory
Jesus to the angel: “In a few minutes, three women will arrive at the tomb, carrying spices to anoint my body. They will be startled to find the stone rolled away and you sitting inside. Alleviate their fears and tell them not to worry because I am alive, just as I foretold.
Sit on the right side of where I lay so they will see the undisturbed graveclothes to help them recall all I told them. Instruct them to carry the news of my resurrection to the disciples, especially Peter who is struggling with the weight of his denial. Send them on their way and assure them of our reunion in Galilee.
Oh, angel, I eagerly anticipate seeing their joy when I suddenly appear in their midst! Now go, and do what I have told you.
As you read this text in Mark 16:1-8 (NIV), what might you add to the backstory of the angel’s instructions?
The Text
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.
The Joy
The joy and glory of Easter lie in the realization that Jesus, through His resurrection, has reconciled humanity with God. His sinless life and sacrificial death served as the ultimate atonement for our sins, fulfilling the requirements of divine justice and paving the way for our redemption. As believers, we are invited to partake in this unspeakable joy, knowing that our sins have been forgiven and our burdens lifted by the redemptive work of Christ.
The angel’s proclamation of the resurrection to the women at the empty tomb embodies the essence of Easter joy. The declaration, “He is alive, just as He said,” reverberates with the power and truth of God’s promises, offering peace, and salvation to all who believe.
Just as the disciples were restored to incredible joy upon witnessing Jesus’ resurrection, we too are liberated from grief and sorrow over death and dark days. The risen Christ brings us boundless joy and assurance of His loving care and eventual everlasting life.
Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22
