Mark 16:9-11

Mark 16:9-11 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. When the two Mary’s and Salome went to the tomb of Jesus early on Easter Sunday morning, they were shocked to see the Roman guards gone, the tomb opened, and the body of Jesus gone. They were further shocked by this glowing young man telling them that Jesus was alive. The young man told them to go and tell the disciples. Mary, the mother of James, and Salome immediately left to find Peter and to tell him. But Mary Magdalene just stood there. She was stunned and her mind was so confused. As she turned around, she saw a figure standing there and assumed that it was one of the gardeners who worked at the cemetery. But when this figure spoke, he said, “Mary.” She knew that voice! She looked up through her tears and saw the loving face of Jesus! He was alive! He was right there! And Jesus said, “Mary, go tell Peter and the other fellows that I will come and see them. Everything is going to be all right. I am alive.” And Mary obeyed. She ran to the grieving disciples with the news. The other two ladies were already there, but Mary added that she had actually seen Jesus! Still, the disciples couldn’t believe the ladies. Jesus was dead. They knew it. He couldn’t be alive! Or could He? It was so hard for the disciples to believe that Jesus was alive. And it is so hard for us to believe that Jesus is alive. We can’t see Him. We can’t hear His voice. But He is alive! He really is alive!