In Gospel of Mark chapter 16, we arrive at an ending that feels unexpected—but maybe that’s exactly the point. Instead of a polished resolution, we’re met with an empty tomb, an angelic announcement, and a group of women overwhelmed with fear and awe. It raises the question that sits at the center of Easter: what do we do with the resurrection of Jesus Christ? The angel declares the truth—“He is risen”—but also gives a directive: go and tell. Even in these first moments, we see that the resurrection isn’t just something to believe; it’s something that moves us. And in the mention of Peter, we’re reminded that the heart of the resurrection is restoration. The same disciple who failed, denied, and ran is the one Jesus is already moving toward in grace.
But Mark doesn’t tie everything up neatly—he leaves us in the tension of decision. The women flee in fear, standing in the gap between doubt and belief, reason and faith. And maybe that’s where many of us find ourselves too. Easter reminds us that faith isn’t the absence of doubt—it’s courage in the middle of it. The resurrection proves that Jesus made His move: He is who He said He is, and He did what He came to do. Now the question turns to us—what’s our move? Whether it’s taking a first step of faith, returning after wandering, or asking the Holy Spirit to lead what’s next, this moment invites a response. Because the story doesn’t end at the empty tomb—it continues in us as we trust in Jesus, become like Him, and live out the good news together.
Resources mentioned in the message:
The Gospel of Mark is missing its ending? – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9RsHnb7huk
Two Ways to Live: https://twowaystolive.com/
Reflection Questions:
- What stuck out in today’s message? What did you find challenging and encouraging? Did you learn anything new?
- What would you have thought and felt if you had entered Jesus’ empty tomb?
- Read Mark 16:1-8. What did the angel tell the women to do (Compare Mark 14:26-31 for additional context)? What do the women actually do and why, according to the passage?
- Culturally at this time, women’s testimony was not legally valid. What does this say about God that the first witnesses of the resurrection were women?
- Why do you think Peter is specifically mentioned in verse 7?
- How does Mark’s resurrection account differ from the other gospels’ resurrection accounts? Why did he end this way?
- Mark is the only Gospel where the resurrected Jesus does not physically appear. How does it change your faith to encounter an empty tomb rather than a visible, walking Jesus? Is it harder or easier to believe when the “proof” is an absence rather than a presence?
- What next step can you take to embrace the message of hope and resurrection in your daily life this week?
- The Gospel of Mark portrays a deeply human Jesus—one who experiences tiredness, anger, and suffering. How does this picture of Jesus shape your faith?
- Take time this week to pray and process the Gospel of Mark Reflection questions on page 128 of the Study Guide.
