Responding To His Resurrection
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DescriptionResponding to the Resurrection Mark 16: 1-8Intro: Not long ago one of our QSBC families walked through Mercy Hospital Preschooler was struck by a statue of Jesus. Stopped, “Look Mom.” Do you know who that Is? “Yes, that is Jesus. He died on an Easter Egg Hunt!” • Many confusing messages about Jesus floating around • The Short, Simple Story from MARK…… T/S – Have you ever wished your might have witnessed the Resurrection first hand? --- Imagine what you would see, feel, think, say….Glorious, Awesome! • Today, first to Witnesses of resurrection === Response Not Expected Mark 16: 1-8 What do you notice about this resurrection story? • Mark focuses on His Followers’ Reaction to the News. (Not Jesus) • Not What We would Imagine! • Dread, … Disobedience, … Disbelief --- Vs. 5 – prefix makes intense…. Amazed, afraid, alarmed Mark in 14:33 to describe Jesus in Garden, “Distressed” Vs. 8 – Not hurried to obey or rejoice or share…” Fled from…AFRAID! T/S – I used to struggle with Mark’s Account of Resurrection, even avoid it on Easter. But in recent years I have learned to appreciate the power and Wisdom of Mark’s honest account of the Followers’ initial reaction --- Confusion, Fear, Disbelief… Their Disbelief… ENCOURAGES HONEST SKEPTICS Exp – Do you sometimes find it difficult to belief this story of RESRRECTION? Many people, maybe most, find this story hard to believe…Tabloid Story. Encouraging Word --- Most devoted, passionate followers of Jesus did too! • Their Initial Response… It Can’t Be! Correction: The Idea of Resurrection has always been hard to believe. Silly Idea that in 1st C. people found resurrection more realistic, common place… We are not sophisticated, less gullible! App – If you find this story Hard to Believe, do not Fear….not bad, weak, … • Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:17 • Jesus worked patiently with His Disciples to bring them to Faith! • Mark 9 story of boy brought to Jesus by His father…All things Possible to him who believes… Lord, I do believe; help my unbelief.” Maybe pray, “Lord I do believe; help My unbelief!” SUPPORTS THE RESURRECTION STORY Exp – Many people today reject the reality of the Resurrection with a reasoning that Goes like this…. “The followers expected the resurrection; They longed for the Resurrection, so they persuaded Themselves that it really happened.” In Short: They Imagined It! Problem: These women had no such Expectation! (1, 3, 5) “Amazed” = “Affrighted” “Alarmed!”… not, “Wow!” Vs. 8 – An honest, unvarnished Account! ILL – Dillon watching our Passion Play one Spring, Life, healing, Arrest, Death, Resurrection... “Uncle Hance, Did you know this is based on a True Story!” App – This Story has the Ring of Truth! a) The Primary Witnesses are Women b) The Gospel Accounts are Not Identical c) The Witnesses were not Expecting the Resurrection. t/s – Take an Honest look…. This is Not a Story you would Make up! Their Disbelief… PULLS FROM US THE PROPER RESPONSE Exp – Mark puts the spotlight on the Response to the Resurrection. Women Witnesses == Initial Disbelief, Disobedience, Fear After Reading the whole Gospel… Jesus Mission, Promises… Their Response Frustrates Us….. ILL – Like talking to the TV when someone is making a mistake.. • Basketball game…. “No, No, Don’t take that shot!” App – Mark’s resurrection account forces us to Talk to the Women! It Draws out from us the Proper Response! • No, no, don’t doubt. Jesus promised, Angel announced…Believe! • Don’t keep silent, Do what He says…Obey! (He Is Lord!) • Don’t be Afraid, ruled by Fears….Rejoice! (Changes Everything!) Conclusion ILL – When I was a little boy I began to suspect that my Mom wasn’t Listening • Uh-huh, Uh-huh, that’s nice… (repeat) • Talking about my day, homework, recess, lunchroom…. “On the way home I found a sack full of a million dollars…” Uh-huh, Uh-huh, that’s nice The Story Deserves, Demands a Real, Thoughtful, Serious Response. (Mark’s focus) Reject it as Religious Nonsense, Embrace it as the Cornerstone of your existence; can not carelessly dismiss it, Uh-huh, Uh-huh, that’s nice |