Mark 16:5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
Jesus knew before His death all the ways his disciples would fail Him. He knew of the betrayal. He knew of the denial. He knew of the lack of vigilance while he was praying. None of that was a surprise to Him. And yet…
Mark 16:6 “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.
Jesus could have belittled and berated the disciples in the message He left for them, but that is not who He is. Jesus chose to encourage and remind. He reminded them that He was going ahead of them to Galilee, that His death was not the end of the ministry, that it was “just as He told you.”
Mark 16:7 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.’ ”
Precious Savior, Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for knowing the many ways we will fail You yet loving us anyway, going ahead of us, meeting us on the other side. Help us to give ourselves and each other grace upon grace. Amen.
Mark 16:8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
Have a blessed day.