GROWING BY SERVING
Mark 16:1-10
This story has been told many times and in many ways. I want to consider the
the ministry of the women; their faith in action. Each verse tells us something
about their character and the growth of their devotion.
OBEDIENCE IS BASIC TO SUCCESS
V: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.
- They were obedience first to God\’s commands.
- They followed the law.
- They waited until the Sabbath was over to start their mission for Jesus.
- They were prepared to serve.
- They secured all the resources to complete their mission.
- Their mission was to anoint the body of Jesus.
3.They sacrificed their safety to show their love for Jesus.
GET STARTED EARLY
V: 2-3. \” 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?\”
- The all were on one accord.
- They did not take any dead weight with them.
- Only the ones who would serve went to the tomb.
- Those who had negative attitudes stayed home.
- As they went on their way, they considered what needed to be done.
- Until you get started serving Jesus, you want know all that is required.
- When you get started, you find more to be done.
- Don\’t worry, faith in Jesus is all you need.
LEARN ON THE MISSION
V:4. \” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.\”
- Anytime you are on a mission for Jesus, there will be something to test your faith.
- They knew they needed help moving the stone, but had no idea who
would help them.
- Jesus will provide whatever you need to complete your mission for Him.
- He has a vested interest in your success.
- Jesus is bigger than any problem you have.
- Trust the Lord to be the strength of you mission.
GOD ENLIGHTENS YOU AS YOU SERVE
V:5-6. \” 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.\”
- They came looking for the dead, but found the living.
- They came to celebrate the end of a life but found the beginning of eternal life.
- They came with little understanding of God\’s Word, but left enlighten.
- The angels reminded them of the truth in God\’s Word.
- If God said it, act upon it.
ACCEPT NEW DIRECTIONS
V: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.\”
- The women came with their own mission, but were given a new mission.
- We learn the Word of God by doing the work of God.
- Since they were the first to visit the tomb of Jesus, they were first to witness His
resurrection.
- The women came on the sad occasion of Jesus death but left with the joy of His
resurrection.
- When you study God\’s Word, you will be first to be reward by what you have studied.
- Once you have been encouraged, God expects you to encourage others.
SERVING GOD PROVIDES NEW EXCITEMENTS
V:8. \” Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said
nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
- The women witnessed several miracles that they could not understand.
- There were no guards posted at the tomb.
- The large heavy stone had been roll away from the tomb.
- Angels were sitting inside the tomb.
- They heard the message from the angels that Jesus had been resurrected.
- They met Jesus on their way back to their homes.
- They were both excited and afraid.
- We ought to be excited and fearful of the our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
SERVING THE LORD SHOULD BE YOUR SOURCE OF EXCITMENT
Rev. M. Mitchell
Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church
5510 West Sam Houston Parkway
Houston, Texas
