WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.060 When the Sabbath was passed, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought 00:00:07.060 --> 00:00:13.000 spices so that they may go and anoint him, thinking the corpse of Jesus. 00:00:14.700 --> 00:00:20.580 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb 00:00:20.580 --> 00:00:25.240 and they were saying to one another, who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance 00:00:25.240 --> 00:00:25.760 of the tomb? 00:00:25.760 --> 00:00:29.820 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back. 00:00:30.120 --> 00:00:31.020 It was very large. 00:00:31.980 --> 00:00:38.840 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white 00:00:38.840 --> 00:00:41.100 robe, and they were alarmed. 00:00:42.439 --> 00:00:45.299 And he said to them, do not be alarmed. 00:00:46.420 --> 00:00:50.760 You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. 00:00:52.260 --> 00:00:53.060 He has risen. 00:00:53.060 --> 00:00:55.820 He is not here. 00:00:57.219 --> 00:00:59.760 See the place where they laid him? 00:01:00.420 --> 00:01:06.520 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he, Jesus, is going before you to Galilee. 00:01:07.040 --> 00:01:10.719 There you will see him just as he told you. 00:01:11.980 --> 00:01:16.879 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishing had seized them. 00:01:16.879 --> 00:01:20.459 And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. 00:01:22.239 --> 00:01:24.339 That's a rather odd way to end the gospel. 00:01:27.439 --> 00:01:28.579 Kind of leaves you hanging. 00:01:31.179 --> 00:01:33.319 We've experienced a lot of that this year. 00:01:34.640 --> 00:01:36.519 What a year it has been. 00:01:36.519 --> 00:01:39.579 It's been one crisis after another, hasn't it? 00:01:40.719 --> 00:01:45.819 And each crisis seems to raise its own set of issues that you need to make decisions on. 00:01:45.859 --> 00:01:48.379 In order to make decisions on that, you need to gather information. 00:01:48.819 --> 00:01:52.060 In order to gather information, you need to have sources of information that you can trust. 00:01:53.759 --> 00:01:55.219 Who do you believe is telling the truth? 00:01:55.219 --> 00:01:59.000 Who's telling the truth about the coronavirus? 00:01:59.239 --> 00:02:00.200 Remember that a year ago. 00:02:01.719 --> 00:02:05.939 Who's telling the truth about masks, about social distancing? 00:02:06.200 --> 00:02:12.439 Who's telling the truth about George Floyd, Jacob Blake, and all the social justice issues that have erupted? 00:02:14.139 --> 00:02:17.860 Who's telling the truth about the future of our nation? 00:02:19.180 --> 00:02:20.020 Presidential debates. 00:02:20.020 --> 00:02:23.860 What is fake news? 00:02:24.620 --> 00:02:26.660 And what is true news? 00:02:28.280 --> 00:02:29.100 What a year. 00:02:31.180 --> 00:02:40.260 And even though the coronavirus, matters pertaining to social justice, the future of our nation, these are all very important things. 00:02:41.900 --> 00:02:44.960 None of these is what is most important. 00:02:46.140 --> 00:02:49.240 What is of first importance. 00:02:50.020 --> 00:02:57.560 And what is of first importance is what is true about Jesus of Nazareth. 00:02:58.560 --> 00:03:03.700 Because eternity is riding on what you believe about him. 00:03:04.460 --> 00:03:06.960 I've been talking to a friend about Jesus. 00:03:08.600 --> 00:03:11.340 And she's at this really interesting intersection. 00:03:11.340 --> 00:03:14.819 She wants to know more about Jesus. 00:03:15.300 --> 00:03:17.180 And she's open to talking about Jesus. 00:03:17.400 --> 00:03:23.780 But she has got questions about whether she can trust what the Bible says about Jesus. 00:03:24.640 --> 00:03:25.560 It's valid. 00:03:25.560 --> 00:03:31.099 Is the Bible a source of fake news about Jesus? 00:03:32.099 --> 00:03:36.360 Or is the Bible true news, good news about Jesus? 00:03:36.360 --> 00:03:48.340 You see, the Bible and the Gospels in particular claim to present true good news about this person, Jesus of Nazareth. 00:03:48.340 --> 00:03:52.560 Now, I'm not going to make a defense of the reliability of the New Testament this morning. 00:03:52.879 --> 00:03:59.879 But if you're not a Christian and you've been wondering about how reliable are the Gospels, these biographies of Jesus, I've got two of these books. 00:03:59.960 --> 00:04:04.659 You can grab one for me at the Kringle table out on the sidewalk on your way out. 00:04:04.740 --> 00:04:06.159 I'd be happy to give this to you. 00:04:06.159 --> 00:04:11.439 This helps you understand why you can actually trust that what the Gospels are saying are true. 00:04:13.219 --> 00:04:19.899 What the Gospel writers assume is that the reader will take what they're saying at face value. 00:04:21.079 --> 00:04:26.159 They present their information about Jesus as eyewitness accounts. 00:04:27.579 --> 00:04:34.879 So, this morning, if you're not a Christian, would you approach the Gospel of Mark with me? 00:04:36.160 --> 00:04:37.300 At face value. 00:04:38.300 --> 00:04:44.860 That these are eyewitness accounts of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 00:04:46.020 --> 00:04:49.420 So, let me, as you can see on the back of your bulletin, there's a little outline. 00:04:49.780 --> 00:04:54.120 I'm going to give you the Gospel background of the Gospel of Mark. 00:04:54.480 --> 00:05:00.000 And then we're going to kind of dive into those eight verses in Mark chapter 16. 00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:04.600 And then I'm going to point out the extraordinary claim that's being made here. 00:05:04.600 --> 00:05:10.420 And at the end of the sermon, I'm going to kind of bring it to bear on where each of us is living in this room. 00:05:13.720 --> 00:05:16.939 The Bible can be divided into two big sections. 00:05:17.660 --> 00:05:19.520 The Old Testament and the New Testament. 00:05:20.240 --> 00:05:25.680 And the Old Testament is about a promise God made to a people, Israel. 00:05:25.680 --> 00:05:30.800 And Israel ended up failing to keep that promise. 00:05:30.939 --> 00:05:36.900 But all throughout the Old Testament, there are these prophecies, these anticipations of someone who would be coming. 00:05:37.500 --> 00:05:38.379 The Messiah. 00:05:39.439 --> 00:05:40.379 The Christ. 00:05:41.600 --> 00:05:44.780 A king who is from the line of David. 00:05:45.139 --> 00:05:48.259 And he would come and he would establish a new covenant. 00:05:48.899 --> 00:05:51.639 A new promise God makes to a new people. 00:05:51.639 --> 00:05:57.479 And what you need to understand about the Old Testament, all these sacred writings were written before Jesus came. 00:05:58.319 --> 00:06:03.019 The New Testament are God's sacred writings after Jesus came. 00:06:03.659 --> 00:06:10.939 And what the New Testament, it claims and explains is that Jesus is that long-awaited Christ. 00:06:11.919 --> 00:06:12.599 The Messiah. 00:06:13.459 --> 00:06:14.279 The king. 00:06:14.279 --> 00:06:14.319 The king. 00:06:15.119 --> 00:06:22.639 And he came to establish a new relationship between God and sinners through his blood. 00:06:24.799 --> 00:06:27.879 At the beginning of the New Testament, you have four biographies. 00:06:28.039 --> 00:06:29.399 They are called Gospels. 00:06:30.719 --> 00:06:40.359 And each biography is presenting Jesus to the reader, to the hearer, to show Jesus as the Christ. 00:06:40.360 --> 00:06:45.319 This king who does miracles, whose teaching is unlike anyone else. 00:06:45.740 --> 00:06:51.560 How he engaged people was absolutely phenomenal because it was God engaging with people. 00:06:53.560 --> 00:06:57.560 These four Gospels point to Jesus being the Christ. 00:06:59.040 --> 00:07:03.680 And each Gospel has its own emphases and its own audience that it's aimed at. 00:07:03.680 --> 00:07:10.400 The Gospel of Mark emphasizes, it shows the eyewitness accounts of Jesus. 00:07:10.939 --> 00:07:18.040 They're believed to be the actual eyewitness accounts of the Apostle Peter that Mark shares with us, the readers. 00:07:18.160 --> 00:07:21.600 Now, I'm going to ask Robin to put up Mark 1.1. 00:07:21.819 --> 00:07:24.860 This is the very first verse of this Gospel. 00:07:25.019 --> 00:07:32.519 And why I'm asking her to do that is to let you know what Mark is setting out to do in writing this biography for us. 00:07:32.519 --> 00:07:36.120 At the beginning of the Gospel of Mark, Mark says, 00:07:36.240 --> 00:07:39.500 The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 00:07:39.560 --> 00:07:40.459 And here's what you need to see. 00:07:40.519 --> 00:07:41.579 You need to see three things. 00:07:42.479 --> 00:07:46.560 Jesus is the name of this man who is totally man. 00:07:47.779 --> 00:07:50.299 You see at the end that title, the Son of God. 00:07:51.259 --> 00:07:55.959 That's a claim that Jesus, the Christ, is totally God. 00:07:55.959 --> 00:08:00.639 And Jesus Christ, Christ isn't his last name. 00:08:00.759 --> 00:08:01.279 It's a title. 00:08:03.079 --> 00:08:06.239 He also goes by that same title, the Christ. 00:08:06.639 --> 00:08:09.180 Jesus talks about himself as the Son of Man. 00:08:09.939 --> 00:08:13.779 That's another way of describing himself as the Christ. 00:08:13.899 --> 00:08:18.759 And so all throughout the Gospel of Mark, Mark weaves these claims together. 00:08:18.759 --> 00:08:22.899 God the Father at Jesus' baptism says, 00:08:23.159 --> 00:08:25.480 My beloved Son with whom I'm well pleased. 00:08:25.699 --> 00:08:27.539 At Jesus' transfiguration he says, 00:08:27.939 --> 00:08:29.099 This is my beloved Son. 00:08:29.199 --> 00:08:29.860 Listen to him. 00:08:30.339 --> 00:08:33.139 God is claiming this man to be his son. 00:08:33.139 --> 00:08:38.080 And this all climaxes. 00:08:38.159 --> 00:08:40.500 Jackson did such a great job this past Friday night. 00:08:40.500 --> 00:08:44.819 Showing us from Mark 15 how all this weaves together. 00:08:45.559 --> 00:08:52.100 Because in Mark 15 you have these six claims of Jesus being the King of the Jews. 00:08:52.240 --> 00:08:53.299 The King of Israel. 00:08:53.860 --> 00:08:57.439 And they were all designed to be mocking Jesus at his crucifixion. 00:08:58.240 --> 00:08:59.740 It ended up being true. 00:08:59.740 --> 00:09:05.519 That title King of the Jews is a claim of Jesus being the Messiah. 00:09:06.279 --> 00:09:09.039 It's just another way of saying Christ. 00:09:11.720 --> 00:09:16.919 And it's at the very climax of Mark 15. 00:09:18.799 --> 00:09:27.120 That Jesus has this piece of wood above his head saying King of the Jews. 00:09:27.120 --> 00:09:31.419 Jesus cries out, Eloi, Eloi, Lema, Sabachthani. 00:09:32.460 --> 00:09:34.539 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 00:09:34.820 --> 00:09:36.440 He breathes his last. 00:09:37.480 --> 00:09:38.539 And in the book of Mark, 00:09:39.060 --> 00:09:44.700 the only human being that recognizes him as being the Son of God 00:09:44.700 --> 00:09:49.700 is one of the Gentile Roman centurions who oversaw his death. 00:09:49.700 --> 00:09:53.140 Truly, this was the Son of God. 00:09:55.940 --> 00:10:00.100 And then in verses 40 and 41 of chapter 15, 00:10:00.660 --> 00:10:07.379 we see three women at the cross watching what just happens. 00:10:08.040 --> 00:10:09.220 Mary Magdalene. 00:10:10.240 --> 00:10:12.020 Mary, the mother of Joseph. 00:10:12.019 --> 00:10:14.379 Moses and James. 00:10:14.799 --> 00:10:16.620 That's Jesus' mother, Mary. 00:10:17.159 --> 00:10:17.960 And Salome. 00:10:18.759 --> 00:10:22.120 And then at the burial in 1542 through 47, 00:10:23.240 --> 00:10:29.240 two of those three women watch where Joseph of Arimathea lays the corpse of Jesus. 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:34.319 Joseph laid the corpse of Jesus in his own tomb. 00:10:34.980 --> 00:10:36.519 It was the tomb of a rich man. 00:10:36.519 --> 00:10:44.279 And Mary and Mary saw exactly where that body was laid. 00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:54.340 Jesus had been removed from the cross and entombed in Joseph's tomb all before the Sabbath set. 00:10:56.259 --> 00:11:03.100 That's a little background that leads us up to Mark 16, 1 through 8. 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:07.519 And in Mark 16, 1 through 8, there are actually three scenes. 00:11:09.139 --> 00:11:11.639 There's a scene of these women going to the tomb. 00:11:12.560 --> 00:11:13.960 That's verses 1 through 4. 00:11:14.700 --> 00:11:17.860 There's a scene of these women in the tomb. 00:11:18.340 --> 00:11:19.700 That's 5 through 7. 00:11:20.680 --> 00:11:24.460 And then there's the scene of these women coming from the tomb. 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:26.220 That's verse 8. 00:11:26.220 --> 00:11:33.720 When it comes to these women going to the tomb in verses 1 through 4, 00:11:33.800 --> 00:11:35.220 I just want you to notice a few things. 00:11:35.440 --> 00:11:37.320 Remember, notice who these women are. 00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:40.160 Mark names the three. 00:11:41.600 --> 00:11:42.620 Mary Magdalene. 00:11:42.779 --> 00:11:44.040 Mary the mother of James. 00:11:44.320 --> 00:11:47.139 That's Mary the mother of Joseph as well. 00:11:47.279 --> 00:11:48.920 The mother of Jesus. 00:11:50.300 --> 00:11:51.220 And Salome. 00:11:51.220 --> 00:11:57.639 These are the women that had just seen Jesus crucified just a couple days before. 00:11:58.399 --> 00:12:03.399 And these are the women who saw Joseph lay the body of Jesus in the tomb. 00:12:04.940 --> 00:12:08.340 What I also want you to notice in verses 1 and 2 is when this is taking place. 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:10.000 This is after the Sabbath. 00:12:10.700 --> 00:12:12.019 The Sabbath has passed. 00:12:12.440 --> 00:12:15.540 Verse 2, it's very early in the first day of the week at sunrise. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:17.500 They're getting an early start. 00:12:17.500 --> 00:12:22.639 They have fragrant spices to anoint the body of Jesus with. 00:12:23.259 --> 00:12:24.480 But here's what you need to understand. 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:25.940 In the Jewish mind in the first century, 00:12:26.059 --> 00:12:27.980 they thought of a day differently than we think of a day. 00:12:28.059 --> 00:12:33.419 We think of a day starting at kind of like 12 a.m. going to 11.59 p.m. 00:12:33.840 --> 00:12:36.919 For the Jew, they thought of a day in terms of sunsets. 00:12:38.159 --> 00:12:39.460 One sunset to another. 00:12:40.460 --> 00:12:43.340 And so for the Jewish mind, the Sabbath was Saturday. 00:12:43.539 --> 00:12:46.159 And it actually began on sunset of Friday. 00:12:46.159 --> 00:12:50.659 And that Sabbath go from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. 00:12:55.439 --> 00:12:59.199 What we see here is that these women, very early Sunday morning, 00:13:00.179 --> 00:13:01.339 the first day of the week, 00:13:01.959 --> 00:13:04.379 what we as Christians call the Lord's Day, 00:13:04.899 --> 00:13:06.860 because it's the day that Jesus was raised, 00:13:08.860 --> 00:13:11.179 they're on their way to the tomb. 00:13:12.699 --> 00:13:15.059 In verse 3, notice what they're saying to each other. 00:13:15.059 --> 00:13:18.539 They're talking about who's going to roll away the stone. 00:13:20.299 --> 00:13:25.459 This is the massive stone that was rolled in place by Joseph of Arimathea. 00:13:25.619 --> 00:13:29.079 You can see it at the end of Mark 15, verse 46. 00:13:29.759 --> 00:13:34.199 Most likely it was Joseph and a couple other guys that moved the stone in place. 00:13:34.339 --> 00:13:39.039 These huge stones were usually on little ramps that use gravity to drop into place 00:13:39.039 --> 00:13:44.259 before this tomb cut out of a cliff side. 00:13:45.799 --> 00:13:46.799 So they're wondering, 00:13:47.299 --> 00:13:49.939 who's going to move this stone for us? 00:13:49.940 --> 00:13:55.160 So let's not miss what's going on here. 00:13:56.700 --> 00:14:02.080 These three women, early Sunday morning, are calm. 00:14:03.160 --> 00:14:04.680 They're in their right mind. 00:14:05.820 --> 00:14:12.080 And they are expecting to see the corpse of Jesus in the tomb. 00:14:12.080 --> 00:14:18.220 Verse 4, they look up, 00:14:18.940 --> 00:14:21.040 and they see the massive stone has already been removed. 00:14:21.379 --> 00:14:22.759 There's no sense of panic. 00:14:23.120 --> 00:14:24.400 I'm guessing they're kind of relieved. 00:14:24.800 --> 00:14:25.440 Oh, great. 00:14:25.540 --> 00:14:26.360 Somebody move the stone. 00:14:26.879 --> 00:14:27.680 Let's finish our work. 00:14:27.679 --> 00:14:33.539 This is the first scene of the resurrection account. 00:14:35.339 --> 00:14:37.659 Everything changes in this next scene. 00:14:39.359 --> 00:14:42.659 Verse 5 and 7, in the tomb, 00:14:43.079 --> 00:14:45.599 this is the hot spot of the resurrection account. 00:14:46.099 --> 00:14:47.019 And you know how you can tell? 00:14:47.759 --> 00:14:49.799 By what happens before and after. 00:14:50.959 --> 00:14:53.719 Before we have these women who are in their right mind, 00:14:53.819 --> 00:14:55.859 they're expecting to find the corpse of Jesus, 00:14:55.860 --> 00:14:59.440 and then in verse 8, if you look at verse 8, 00:14:59.779 --> 00:15:01.600 they've completely freaked out. 00:15:04.159 --> 00:15:05.180 They are trembling. 00:15:05.419 --> 00:15:06.279 They're astonished. 00:15:06.980 --> 00:15:10.779 The whole gospel of Mark ends with the word fear. 00:15:13.899 --> 00:15:16.860 Whatever happened in between them going into the tomb 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:18.060 and coming out of the tomb 00:15:18.060 --> 00:15:22.200 was some kind of forever life-transforming experience. 00:15:22.899 --> 00:15:24.100 So what happened? 00:15:25.860 --> 00:15:28.379 Let's look at verse 5. 00:15:29.700 --> 00:15:31.159 They walk into the tomb, 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:34.180 expecting to see the corpse of Jesus 00:15:34.180 --> 00:15:35.940 laid out on a platform, 00:15:36.419 --> 00:15:37.840 cut into the rock, 00:15:38.180 --> 00:15:39.960 and look at what they find. 00:15:42.019 --> 00:15:43.080 And entering the tomb, 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:45.740 they saw a young man sitting on the right side, 00:15:45.980 --> 00:15:48.399 dressed in a white robe. 00:15:48.480 --> 00:15:49.779 He was sitting on the platform 00:15:49.779 --> 00:15:51.440 where the body of Jesus would be laid, 00:15:51.440 --> 00:15:54.480 at the right side of that. 00:15:55.280 --> 00:15:56.520 He's wearing white. 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:57.920 This is an angel. 00:15:59.200 --> 00:16:00.980 And for those of you who are not familiar, 00:16:01.140 --> 00:16:02.060 all throughout the Bible, 00:16:02.280 --> 00:16:05.580 angels are those who are messengers of God. 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:08.620 They declare God's news. 00:16:08.620 --> 00:16:13.899 He goes unnamed. 00:16:15.159 --> 00:16:17.019 But the freak out commences. 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:19.399 Look at the end of verse 5. 00:16:19.820 --> 00:16:20.419 Mark writes it, 00:16:20.539 --> 00:16:21.639 and they were alarmed. 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:23.659 That is like a massive understatement 00:16:23.659 --> 00:16:26.279 because they were completely flipping out. 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:28.899 Could you imagine if you were one of these ladies 00:16:28.899 --> 00:16:29.820 going into this tomb, 00:16:29.899 --> 00:16:31.600 what would be rolling through your mind 00:16:31.600 --> 00:16:33.560 if you didn't see the corpse of Jesus 00:16:33.559 --> 00:16:36.879 but saw this cute, young, white guy 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:37.899 in a white robe? 00:16:37.979 --> 00:16:39.099 I'm not sure if he was a white guy, 00:16:39.179 --> 00:16:40.059 but he was in a white robe. 00:16:42.139 --> 00:16:43.799 I think you'd be flipping out too. 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:52.339 And then we're drawn into what this angel says. 00:16:54.239 --> 00:16:55.500 So they're freaking out, 00:16:55.500 --> 00:16:58.179 and this angel says to them, 00:16:59.039 --> 00:17:00.419 ladies, don't freak out. 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:02.719 Don't be alarmed. 00:17:03.559 --> 00:17:06.299 Don't panic. 00:17:07.240 --> 00:17:08.839 You're in the right place. 00:17:10.359 --> 00:17:12.519 He knows who they're seeking. 00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:18.419 You seek Jesus of Nazareth. 00:17:19.419 --> 00:17:21.579 Do you know how that would have struck Mary, 00:17:22.279 --> 00:17:23.000 Jesus' mother? 00:17:24.919 --> 00:17:26.200 You seek your son. 00:17:28.919 --> 00:17:30.019 And then he said, 00:17:30.259 --> 00:17:30.980 who was crucified? 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:35.440 This angel in the tomb 00:17:35.440 --> 00:17:39.200 on the third day since Jesus' crucifixion 00:17:39.200 --> 00:17:42.220 knew that Jesus had been crucified. 00:17:42.940 --> 00:17:46.019 In fact, all of heaven knew 00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:50.400 that Jesus, totally God, totally man, 00:17:50.599 --> 00:17:54.579 had been crucified on that first Good Friday. 00:17:54.579 --> 00:17:57.039 all heaven knew. 00:18:03.539 --> 00:18:04.819 And then he says this. 00:18:07.299 --> 00:18:08.240 He has risen. 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:16.559 He has risen. 00:18:20.639 --> 00:18:21.579 He's not here. 00:18:21.579 --> 00:18:21.980 He's not here. 00:18:24.579 --> 00:18:25.579 He's not here. 00:18:25.579 --> 00:18:26.039 He's not here. 00:18:26.039 --> 00:18:27.039 He's not here. 00:18:27.039 --> 00:18:28.639 And then what's really interesting 00:18:28.639 --> 00:18:32.539 is that he then points to the empty platform 00:18:32.539 --> 00:18:35.519 and says, see, here's where they laid him. 00:18:37.720 --> 00:18:38.240 Nothing. 00:18:40.839 --> 00:18:41.759 He's not here. 00:18:41.759 --> 00:18:42.759 He's not here. 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:43.759 He's not here. 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:43.819 He's not here. 00:18:43.819 --> 00:18:46.140 This is the extraordinary claim 00:18:46.140 --> 00:18:48.940 at the end of the Gospel of Mark. 00:18:50.400 --> 00:18:54.440 The claim is that Jesus is alive. 00:18:55.539 --> 00:18:56.960 And what you need to recognize 00:18:56.960 --> 00:19:00.140 is that it's not a man making this claim. 00:19:00.819 --> 00:19:04.400 It's a messenger of God making this claim. 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:05.879 In other words, 00:19:06.400 --> 00:19:08.319 this is God's announcement. 00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:11.179 This is God's announcement 00:19:11.179 --> 00:19:12.819 that the one who was crucified 00:19:12.819 --> 00:19:14.819 has been raised from the dead. 00:19:14.939 --> 00:19:15.779 He is alive. 00:19:17.019 --> 00:19:20.200 This is God's good news. 00:19:24.720 --> 00:19:27.759 This angel goes on to say to these women 00:19:27.759 --> 00:19:28.879 in verse 7, 00:19:28.880 --> 00:19:35.800 Galilee, if you're wondering, 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:37.460 is the place where it all started 00:19:37.460 --> 00:19:38.660 for Jesus and His disciples. 00:19:38.800 --> 00:19:40.240 That's where His public ministry began. 00:19:40.360 --> 00:19:43.140 That's where He called His original disciples, 00:19:43.340 --> 00:19:44.860 where they came together 00:19:44.860 --> 00:19:46.880 and He started to teach and heal. 00:19:48.060 --> 00:19:49.120 And so what's going on here 00:19:49.120 --> 00:19:51.120 is after His death and resurrection, 00:19:51.340 --> 00:19:53.940 He is seeking to regather His disciples 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:55.620 after He's been raised from the dead. 00:19:55.619 --> 00:20:00.979 I hope you noticed 00:20:00.979 --> 00:20:06.679 that the very first eyewitnesses 00:20:06.679 --> 00:20:07.739 to the empty tomb 00:20:07.739 --> 00:20:09.319 and those who are being commissioned 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:10.339 by an angel 00:20:10.339 --> 00:20:13.279 to go declare that Jesus is alive 00:20:13.279 --> 00:20:14.819 are three women. 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:17.159 That's risky for Mark. 00:20:17.919 --> 00:20:19.179 I'll come back to that in a second. 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:21.179 But did you also notice 00:20:21.179 --> 00:20:23.119 that He singles out Peter 00:20:23.119 --> 00:20:24.119 in verse 7, 00:20:24.119 --> 00:20:26.139 but go tell His disciples 00:20:26.139 --> 00:20:26.959 and Peter 00:20:26.959 --> 00:20:28.819 that He's going before you to Galilee? 00:20:28.899 --> 00:20:29.739 I'll come back to that 00:20:29.739 --> 00:20:30.479 in another second. 00:20:31.799 --> 00:20:33.339 At the end of verse 7, 00:20:34.159 --> 00:20:34.939 we read, 00:20:35.699 --> 00:20:37.479 there you will see Him in Galilee 00:20:37.479 --> 00:20:40.359 just as He told you. 00:20:40.439 --> 00:20:41.979 Just as He told you. 00:20:43.239 --> 00:20:44.619 When did Jesus say that? 00:20:46.459 --> 00:20:47.939 If you've got your Bible, 00:20:48.099 --> 00:20:50.579 look at Mark chapter 14, 00:20:51.339 --> 00:20:52.279 verse 26. 00:20:52.279 --> 00:20:54.279 This is right after 00:20:54.279 --> 00:20:56.379 Jesus has totally 00:20:56.379 --> 00:20:59.299 kind of Jesus-ified 00:20:59.299 --> 00:21:01.139 the Passover meal. 00:21:02.180 --> 00:21:02.619 He says, 00:21:02.819 --> 00:21:03.460 now the Passover, 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:05.059 do it in remembrance of me, 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:07.279 which is phenomenal in itself. 00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:10.519 But after the institution 00:21:10.519 --> 00:21:11.319 of the Lord's Supper, 00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:12.980 Jesus in verse 26 says, 00:21:13.379 --> 00:21:15.059 and when they had sung a hymn, 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:16.440 they went out to the Mount of Olives 00:21:16.440 --> 00:21:17.539 and Jesus said to them, 00:21:17.660 --> 00:21:19.500 you will all fall away, 00:21:19.619 --> 00:21:20.279 for it is written, 00:21:20.279 --> 00:21:21.819 I will strike the shepherd. 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:23.220 That's a reference to His death. 00:21:24.379 --> 00:21:25.859 And the sheep will be scattered. 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:26.500 28, 00:21:26.960 --> 00:21:28.859 but after I'm raised up, 00:21:28.920 --> 00:21:30.960 I will go before you to Galilee. 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:31.759 There it is. 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:34.500 That's what this angel is referring to 00:21:34.500 --> 00:21:35.039 when He says, 00:21:35.319 --> 00:21:36.019 just as He told you. 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:37.440 But it's more than that. 00:21:38.139 --> 00:21:39.379 Because if you flip in your Bible 00:21:39.379 --> 00:21:41.500 back to Mark chapter 8, 00:21:41.559 --> 00:21:42.259 verse 31, 00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:43.980 Jesus talking about Himself 00:21:43.980 --> 00:21:45.119 as the Son of Man, 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:45.859 the Christ, 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:48.059 He starts saying things like this. 00:21:48.059 --> 00:21:50.379 The Son of Man must be handed over. 00:21:51.539 --> 00:21:53.139 He must suffer and die 00:21:53.139 --> 00:21:54.279 and on the third day 00:21:54.279 --> 00:21:55.339 be raised from the dead. 00:21:56.079 --> 00:21:57.480 He says that in chapter 8, 00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:58.000 verse 31, 00:21:58.139 --> 00:21:59.079 and then chapter 9, 00:21:59.159 --> 00:21:59.639 verse 31, 00:21:59.740 --> 00:22:00.639 He says the same thing. 00:22:01.259 --> 00:22:02.599 The Son of Man must suffer, 00:22:03.079 --> 00:22:03.799 be handed over, 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:04.399 die, 00:22:04.740 --> 00:22:06.159 and be raised on the third day. 00:22:06.599 --> 00:22:07.899 And if that's not enough, 00:22:08.740 --> 00:22:10.240 in Mark chapter 10, 00:22:12.099 --> 00:22:12.919 Jesus says, 00:22:12.920 --> 00:22:15.100 See, 00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:16.539 we are going up to Jerusalem 00:22:16.539 --> 00:22:17.320 and the Son of Man 00:22:17.320 --> 00:22:18.100 will be delivered over 00:22:18.100 --> 00:22:18.920 to the chief priests 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:19.580 and the scribes 00:22:19.580 --> 00:22:20.880 and they will condemn Him to death 00:22:20.880 --> 00:22:21.680 and deliver Him over 00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:22.500 to the Gentiles 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:23.940 and they will mock Him 00:22:23.940 --> 00:22:24.960 and spit on Him 00:22:24.960 --> 00:22:25.779 and flog Him 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:26.779 and kill Him 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:28.700 and after three days 00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:29.640 He will rise. 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:33.779 Jesus 00:22:33.779 --> 00:22:35.220 predicted 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:36.920 not just His own death, 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:39.759 but His own resurrection 00:22:39.759 --> 00:22:42.440 three days later, 00:22:43.440 --> 00:22:45.240 which was all fulfillment 00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:47.119 of Old Testament prophecies 00:22:47.119 --> 00:22:48.059 of the Christ 00:22:48.059 --> 00:22:49.819 in Psalm 16 00:22:49.819 --> 00:22:51.400 and Isaiah 53 00:22:51.400 --> 00:22:52.619 that would talk about 00:22:52.619 --> 00:22:53.400 this Christ 00:22:53.400 --> 00:22:55.059 who gives Himself 00:22:55.059 --> 00:22:56.960 and comes back to life 00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:58.759 for His people. 00:23:02.480 --> 00:23:03.480 That's what happens 00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:03.940 in the tomb. 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:08.200 And in verse 8, 00:23:08.200 --> 00:23:09.779 we see the scene 00:23:09.779 --> 00:23:10.340 of these women 00:23:10.340 --> 00:23:11.460 coming out of the tomb 00:23:11.460 --> 00:23:13.880 and what do you expect? 00:23:15.840 --> 00:23:16.980 You read these accounts 00:23:16.980 --> 00:23:18.340 in verses 5, 6, and 7 00:23:18.340 --> 00:23:18.720 and you're thinking, 00:23:18.840 --> 00:23:19.559 okay, this angel 00:23:19.559 --> 00:23:20.279 is commissioning 00:23:20.279 --> 00:23:21.279 these women to go. 00:23:22.200 --> 00:23:22.860 They're going to go 00:23:22.860 --> 00:23:23.759 tell the disciples. 00:23:25.319 --> 00:23:25.720 Right? 00:23:26.580 --> 00:23:27.519 Well, they definitely 00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:28.840 hightail it out of the tomb 00:23:28.840 --> 00:23:30.860 but in verse 8 00:23:30.860 --> 00:23:32.400 you see that this hightailing 00:23:32.400 --> 00:23:33.620 was a fleeing 00:23:33.620 --> 00:23:35.019 from the tomb. 00:23:35.019 --> 00:23:38.599 They were terrified. 00:23:40.180 --> 00:23:41.200 They wanted to get out 00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:41.539 of there. 00:23:43.319 --> 00:23:43.879 Trembling, 00:23:44.059 --> 00:23:44.599 astonishment, 00:23:44.779 --> 00:23:45.180 and fear 00:23:45.180 --> 00:23:46.420 completely shocked, 00:23:47.160 --> 00:23:47.960 disoriented, 00:23:48.200 --> 00:23:49.019 and terrified. 00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:51.299 And then they don't do 00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:52.200 what the angel 00:23:52.200 --> 00:23:53.379 tells them to do. 00:23:54.660 --> 00:23:55.900 They don't tell anybody. 00:23:58.779 --> 00:23:59.680 All throughout 00:23:59.680 --> 00:24:01.259 the Gospel of Mark 00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:02.379 there's this theme 00:24:02.380 --> 00:24:04.060 of the disoriented 00:24:04.060 --> 00:24:05.900 and unbelieving disciples 00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:08.140 including these three women. 00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:10.760 These three women 00:24:10.760 --> 00:24:12.020 respond to this news 00:24:12.020 --> 00:24:13.960 in fearful silence. 00:24:16.380 --> 00:24:18.440 And it's in stark contrast 00:24:18.440 --> 00:24:20.220 to the centurion 00:24:20.220 --> 00:24:22.460 in Mark 15, 39 00:24:22.460 --> 00:24:24.200 who upon seeing 00:24:24.200 --> 00:24:26.400 the crucified Jesus 00:24:26.400 --> 00:24:27.880 breathe his last, 00:24:29.020 --> 00:24:31.780 speak with faith-filled confession. 00:24:32.380 --> 00:24:34.000 truly, 00:24:34.600 --> 00:24:37.240 this was the Son of God. 00:24:41.800 --> 00:24:43.660 Why would Mark 00:24:43.660 --> 00:24:45.400 close a Gospel 00:24:45.400 --> 00:24:47.640 open-ended like this? 00:24:48.520 --> 00:24:49.700 Why would he leave us 00:24:49.700 --> 00:24:50.700 hanging like this? 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:51.760 I mean, 00:24:52.080 --> 00:24:53.520 don't you want closure? 00:24:55.920 --> 00:24:57.380 Well, we know what happens 00:24:57.380 --> 00:24:58.560 to these women. 00:24:58.620 --> 00:24:59.720 We know the rest of the story. 00:24:59.840 --> 00:25:00.320 We know these 00:25:00.320 --> 00:25:01.280 from the other Gospels 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:02.119 that these women 00:25:02.119 --> 00:25:02.980 come to their senses 00:25:02.980 --> 00:25:04.279 and they go tell the disciples 00:25:04.279 --> 00:25:05.500 and they go meet Jesus 00:25:05.500 --> 00:25:06.139 in Galilee 00:25:06.139 --> 00:25:07.399 and they see Jesus. 00:25:07.879 --> 00:25:09.039 We learn from the Apostle Paul 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:10.379 that Jesus not only 00:25:10.379 --> 00:25:11.019 appeared to them 00:25:11.019 --> 00:25:12.359 but to 500 other 00:25:12.359 --> 00:25:13.339 of his disciples. 00:25:14.779 --> 00:25:15.399 And these women, 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:16.420 these same women 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:17.819 in the book of Acts 00:25:17.819 --> 00:25:19.119 are part of the early church 00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:19.720 that empowered 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:20.639 by the Holy Spirit, 00:25:21.059 --> 00:25:22.259 they go and declare 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:23.259 to all people 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:25.059 that Jesus 00:25:25.059 --> 00:25:26.619 is the risen Christ 00:25:26.619 --> 00:25:27.700 who died 00:25:27.700 --> 00:25:28.660 on the cross 00:25:28.660 --> 00:25:29.320 for sinners. 00:25:30.060 --> 00:25:30.900 We know the rest 00:25:30.900 --> 00:25:31.420 of the story. 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:34.380 But why? 00:25:35.380 --> 00:25:36.120 Why would Mark 00:25:36.120 --> 00:25:36.980 close like this? 00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:40.279 It's open-ended 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:41.019 by design. 00:25:43.060 --> 00:25:44.180 It's to bring you 00:25:44.180 --> 00:25:44.840 into the tomb. 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.820 It's for you 00:25:48.820 --> 00:25:50.440 to ask the question, 00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:52.700 how would I respond 00:25:52.700 --> 00:25:54.800 if I were in that tomb 00:25:54.799 --> 00:25:56.440 with that angel 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:58.480 and know Jesus present? 00:26:00.700 --> 00:26:02.379 How would you respond 00:26:02.379 --> 00:26:04.559 to this extraordinary claim 00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:05.680 of this angel 00:26:05.680 --> 00:26:07.960 that he has risen? 00:26:13.639 --> 00:26:15.259 In verses 1-8, 00:26:15.359 --> 00:26:17.339 there's this extraordinary claim. 00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:18.139 That's where I'm at 00:26:18.139 --> 00:26:18.799 in your outline 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:19.460 in the bulletin. 00:26:20.240 --> 00:26:21.399 The extraordinary claim 00:26:21.399 --> 00:26:21.980 is this. 00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:24.159 Jesus is alive. 00:26:25.759 --> 00:26:26.639 That's the claim. 00:26:27.899 --> 00:26:28.680 And not just 00:26:28.680 --> 00:26:29.319 that he's on, 00:26:29.740 --> 00:26:30.899 that he's alive, 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:33.079 he's on the move. 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:34.639 He's on his way 00:26:34.639 --> 00:26:35.200 to Galilee. 00:26:37.659 --> 00:26:38.619 Are you guys familiar 00:26:38.619 --> 00:26:39.339 with C.S. Lewis? 00:26:41.079 --> 00:26:42.220 C.S. Lewis wrote 00:26:42.220 --> 00:26:43.379 the Narnia series 00:26:43.379 --> 00:26:44.079 for children. 00:26:44.339 --> 00:26:45.039 The Lion, the Witch, 00:26:45.119 --> 00:26:45.659 and the Wardrobe 00:26:45.659 --> 00:26:47.319 was one of those books. 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:48.899 And we learn 00:26:48.899 --> 00:26:50.379 in this novel 00:26:50.379 --> 00:26:52.819 of the great lion Aslan, 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:54.759 the king of Narnia. 00:26:54.799 --> 00:26:58.480 And it comes to a head 00:26:58.480 --> 00:27:02.200 when this lion Aslan 00:27:02.200 --> 00:27:05.799 is slain on an ancient rock altar 00:27:05.799 --> 00:27:06.919 by the wicked 00:27:06.919 --> 00:27:10.240 and icy queen of the north. 00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:13.620 But soon after his death, 00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:16.019 this altar breaks in two 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:17.940 and Aslan is raised 00:27:17.940 --> 00:27:18.599 from the dead 00:27:18.599 --> 00:27:19.980 and he's on the move. 00:27:21.420 --> 00:27:23.099 And he's on the move 00:27:23.099 --> 00:27:25.240 breathing life 00:27:25.240 --> 00:27:28.259 onto all of those 00:27:28.259 --> 00:27:30.079 who've been put under the curse 00:27:30.079 --> 00:27:31.140 by the queen. 00:27:33.140 --> 00:27:34.059 Thawing them. 00:27:35.599 --> 00:27:37.279 Thawing them to life. 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:40.200 breathing back to life. 00:27:40.200 --> 00:27:43.000 All those under the curse. 00:27:43.299 --> 00:27:45.000 And gathering to himself 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:48.460 a kingdom of beloved creatures 00:27:48.460 --> 00:27:50.279 brought back to life. 00:27:52.639 --> 00:27:54.019 C.S. Lewis was a Christian. 00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:57.639 And Aslan was a Christ type. 00:27:57.839 --> 00:27:59.720 And that beautiful scene 00:27:59.720 --> 00:28:01.859 in the Lion, the Witch, 00:28:01.899 --> 00:28:02.579 and the Wardrobe, 00:28:03.539 --> 00:28:04.779 he's making a claim 00:28:04.779 --> 00:28:06.399 that Jesus has been raised 00:28:06.399 --> 00:28:06.960 from the dead. 00:28:09.359 --> 00:28:11.119 C.S. Lewis also wrote another book. 00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:12.359 It's called Mere Christianity. 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:13.539 I have a number of these copies. 00:28:13.660 --> 00:28:14.319 If you're interested, 00:28:14.599 --> 00:28:16.019 I would be glad to give you one. 00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:17.559 I'm going to read a section of this. 00:28:18.920 --> 00:28:20.960 Because Lewis was also 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:22.399 a Christian apologist. 00:28:22.399 --> 00:28:24.420 Which means he sought to 00:28:24.420 --> 00:28:26.299 make a case for Jesus. 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.119 Listen to this. 00:28:27.119 --> 00:28:30.619 I'm trying here to prevent 00:28:30.619 --> 00:28:31.459 anyone saying 00:28:31.459 --> 00:28:32.899 the really foolish thing 00:28:32.899 --> 00:28:34.519 that people have often said 00:28:34.519 --> 00:28:35.599 about him, Jesus. 00:28:36.299 --> 00:28:36.579 Quote, 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:38.099 I'm writing to accept Jesus 00:28:38.099 --> 00:28:39.739 as a great moral teacher, 00:28:39.939 --> 00:28:40.639 but I don't accept 00:28:40.639 --> 00:28:41.939 his claim to be God. 00:28:43.219 --> 00:28:44.279 That is the one thing 00:28:44.279 --> 00:28:45.279 we must not say, 00:28:45.459 --> 00:28:46.019 says Lewis. 00:28:46.619 --> 00:28:47.919 A man who was 00:28:47.919 --> 00:28:48.859 merely a man 00:28:48.859 --> 00:28:49.699 and said the sort of things 00:28:49.699 --> 00:28:50.439 Jesus said 00:28:50.439 --> 00:28:52.219 would not be a great moral teacher. 00:28:52.379 --> 00:28:53.639 He would either be a lunatic 00:28:53.639 --> 00:28:55.500 on a level with the man 00:28:55.500 --> 00:28:56.859 who says he is a poached egg, 00:28:57.420 --> 00:28:59.039 or else he would be 00:28:59.039 --> 00:28:59.900 the devil of hell. 00:29:00.940 --> 00:29:02.200 You must make your choice. 00:29:02.359 --> 00:29:03.480 Either this man was 00:29:03.480 --> 00:29:04.839 and is the son of God, 00:29:04.900 --> 00:29:06.240 or else a madman 00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:07.059 or something worse. 00:29:07.440 --> 00:29:08.619 You can shut him up 00:29:08.619 --> 00:29:09.180 for a fool. 00:29:09.279 --> 00:29:10.359 You can spit at him 00:29:10.359 --> 00:29:11.380 and kill him as a demon, 00:29:11.599 --> 00:29:13.259 or you can fall at his feet 00:29:13.259 --> 00:29:14.839 and call him Lord and God, 00:29:14.940 --> 00:29:16.039 but let us not come 00:29:16.039 --> 00:29:17.740 with any patronizing nonsense 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:19.099 about his being 00:29:19.099 --> 00:29:20.240 a great human teacher. 00:29:20.579 --> 00:29:22.519 He's not left that open to us. 00:29:23.220 --> 00:29:24.339 He did not intend to. 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:28.680 If this extraordinary claim 00:29:28.680 --> 00:29:30.940 is true, 00:29:31.440 --> 00:29:34.240 that Jesus is the Christ 00:29:34.240 --> 00:29:35.480 raised from the dead, 00:29:36.099 --> 00:29:37.660 that he is alive 00:29:37.660 --> 00:29:40.339 and on the move today, 00:29:40.839 --> 00:29:41.980 it changes everything. 00:29:45.680 --> 00:29:47.200 He's breathing life 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:48.460 on the dead under the curse. 00:29:49.640 --> 00:29:51.500 He's gathering for himself 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:53.079 a new people 00:29:53.079 --> 00:29:55.000 under a new promise. 00:29:55.500 --> 00:30:01.200 He's gathering for himself 00:30:01.200 --> 00:30:02.940 people from every tongue, 00:30:03.079 --> 00:30:03.839 tribe, and nation 00:30:03.839 --> 00:30:06.440 into one people. 00:30:06.599 --> 00:30:07.579 It's called the church. 00:30:12.220 --> 00:30:13.819 You can fall at his feet. 00:30:16.160 --> 00:30:17.940 You can fall at his risen 00:30:17.940 --> 00:30:19.019 from the dead feet. 00:30:19.019 --> 00:30:23.779 This extraordinary claim 00:30:23.779 --> 00:30:25.440 is made in an extraordinary way 00:30:25.440 --> 00:30:27.440 that he's alive. 00:30:29.400 --> 00:30:30.799 We know the rest of the story 00:30:30.799 --> 00:30:31.980 of the Marys and Salome. 00:30:33.059 --> 00:30:34.559 They went to tell the disciples 00:30:34.559 --> 00:30:35.960 and they themselves 00:30:35.960 --> 00:30:37.139 saw the risen Jesus. 00:30:38.740 --> 00:30:39.879 These three women 00:30:39.879 --> 00:30:41.599 were the first eyewitnesses 00:30:41.599 --> 00:30:43.480 bearing testimony 00:30:43.480 --> 00:30:44.940 to the resurrected Jesus. 00:30:44.940 --> 00:30:47.180 But here's what you need 00:30:47.180 --> 00:30:47.680 to understand. 00:30:47.799 --> 00:30:48.660 In the first century, 00:30:50.039 --> 00:30:50.860 women did not have 00:30:50.860 --> 00:30:51.980 the same rights as men, 00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:53.620 especially when it comes 00:30:53.620 --> 00:30:54.480 to credible, 00:30:55.220 --> 00:30:56.660 credible testimony, 00:30:57.720 --> 00:30:58.920 believable testimony, 00:30:59.519 --> 00:31:01.019 whether that's in a court of law 00:31:01.019 --> 00:31:01.880 or somewhere else. 00:31:02.400 --> 00:31:03.279 The question becomes, 00:31:03.480 --> 00:31:04.279 why would Mark 00:31:04.279 --> 00:31:07.740 risk the credibility 00:31:07.740 --> 00:31:10.039 of the claim of his gospel 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:11.140 that Jesus is alive, 00:31:11.460 --> 00:31:13.180 that Jesus is the Christ? 00:31:13.180 --> 00:31:15.220 Why would he risk that 00:31:15.220 --> 00:31:16.600 by including this account 00:31:16.600 --> 00:31:17.539 of these three women? 00:31:19.740 --> 00:31:21.519 Because it's true. 00:31:23.840 --> 00:31:25.620 It really happened. 00:31:27.940 --> 00:31:29.100 So confident 00:31:29.100 --> 00:31:30.860 was Mark 00:31:30.860 --> 00:31:32.400 of the reality 00:31:32.400 --> 00:31:33.560 of this account 00:31:33.560 --> 00:31:36.340 that he has nothing to hide. 00:31:37.720 --> 00:31:38.580 And in fact, 00:31:39.519 --> 00:31:40.940 it strengthens 00:31:40.940 --> 00:31:42.140 the witness. 00:31:43.180 --> 00:31:45.900 Do you know 00:31:45.900 --> 00:31:47.019 what a linchpin is? 00:31:48.039 --> 00:31:48.960 I've got a picture 00:31:48.960 --> 00:31:49.960 of a linchpin for you. 00:31:51.600 --> 00:31:52.539 A linchpin is, 00:31:52.600 --> 00:31:53.480 you see that spike 00:31:53.480 --> 00:31:55.060 going through the axle 00:31:55.060 --> 00:31:56.580 of that wagon wheel? 00:31:57.220 --> 00:31:59.519 A linchpin keeps a wheel 00:31:59.519 --> 00:32:02.019 on the axle of a wagon. 00:32:03.820 --> 00:32:05.600 You pull out that linchpin 00:32:05.600 --> 00:32:08.340 and the wheels fall off. 00:32:08.339 --> 00:32:12.119 The resurrection of Jesus Christ 00:32:12.119 --> 00:32:13.559 is the linchpin 00:32:13.559 --> 00:32:14.959 of Christianity. 00:32:15.959 --> 00:32:17.379 It keeps the wheels 00:32:17.379 --> 00:32:18.659 on Christianity. 00:32:19.619 --> 00:32:21.519 It is the definitive 00:32:21.519 --> 00:32:24.539 validating claim 00:32:24.539 --> 00:32:25.879 that Jesus 00:32:25.879 --> 00:32:27.519 is in fact 00:32:27.519 --> 00:32:28.319 the Christ 00:32:28.319 --> 00:32:29.679 who came 00:32:29.679 --> 00:32:30.379 to die 00:32:30.379 --> 00:32:31.000 for sinners 00:32:31.000 --> 00:32:32.419 to bring them 00:32:32.419 --> 00:32:33.939 into a life-giving 00:32:33.939 --> 00:32:34.579 relationship 00:32:34.579 --> 00:32:35.980 with the one true God. 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:38.579 If Jesus 00:32:38.579 --> 00:32:39.440 was not raised 00:32:39.440 --> 00:32:39.980 from the dead, 00:32:40.920 --> 00:32:42.059 he is not 00:32:42.059 --> 00:32:42.620 the Christ 00:32:42.620 --> 00:32:44.620 and there is 00:32:44.620 --> 00:32:45.339 no salvation 00:32:45.339 --> 00:32:45.920 in him, 00:32:46.640 --> 00:32:47.519 you are still 00:32:47.519 --> 00:32:48.360 in your sins. 00:32:50.019 --> 00:32:51.079 But if he was 00:32:51.079 --> 00:32:51.900 raised from the dead, 00:32:52.700 --> 00:32:53.599 he is 00:32:53.599 --> 00:32:54.480 the Christ. 00:32:55.440 --> 00:32:56.440 Totally God, 00:32:56.759 --> 00:32:57.640 totally man, 00:32:57.900 --> 00:32:58.640 sent to die 00:32:58.640 --> 00:32:59.559 as a ransom 00:32:59.559 --> 00:33:00.660 so that you 00:33:00.660 --> 00:33:01.759 could live forever 00:33:01.759 --> 00:33:02.460 in a right 00:33:02.460 --> 00:33:03.079 relationship 00:33:03.079 --> 00:33:03.839 with God. 00:33:03.839 --> 00:33:05.980 that's good news. 00:33:09.500 --> 00:33:10.319 The resurrection 00:33:10.319 --> 00:33:11.599 is why I personally 00:33:11.599 --> 00:33:12.199 am a Christian, 00:33:12.519 --> 00:33:13.220 humanly speaking. 00:33:15.720 --> 00:33:16.740 I reached a point 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:17.519 where I could not 00:33:17.519 --> 00:33:18.240 explain 00:33:18.240 --> 00:33:20.059 the resurrection 00:33:20.059 --> 00:33:20.659 of Jesus 00:33:20.659 --> 00:33:22.279 in any other way 00:33:22.279 --> 00:33:23.079 than that it 00:33:23.079 --> 00:33:24.259 actually happened. 00:33:25.639 --> 00:33:26.819 It demonstrates, 00:33:27.500 --> 00:33:28.899 it sheds light 00:33:28.899 --> 00:33:30.039 on the rest 00:33:30.039 --> 00:33:30.699 of the claims 00:33:30.699 --> 00:33:31.159 of Jesus 00:33:31.159 --> 00:33:31.879 about himself 00:33:31.879 --> 00:33:32.619 and what he's done. 00:33:32.619 --> 00:33:34.879 The question is, 00:33:34.939 --> 00:33:36.079 how will you respond? 00:33:38.000 --> 00:33:39.099 The simple question 00:33:39.099 --> 00:33:39.859 I'm asking you 00:33:39.859 --> 00:33:40.579 to answer 00:33:40.579 --> 00:33:41.479 this morning is, 00:33:42.119 --> 00:33:43.179 is it true? 00:33:44.719 --> 00:33:45.719 Did the resurrection 00:33:45.719 --> 00:33:46.319 happen? 00:33:47.939 --> 00:33:48.759 Is Jesus 00:33:48.759 --> 00:33:50.000 alive? 00:33:51.599 --> 00:33:52.479 Totally God, 00:33:52.599 --> 00:33:53.239 totally man? 00:33:54.779 --> 00:33:55.379 Let's say 00:33:55.379 --> 00:33:56.099 you're a genuine 00:33:56.099 --> 00:33:57.599 follower of Jesus Christ. 00:33:57.599 --> 00:33:57.679 Christ. 00:33:59.240 --> 00:34:00.240 You believe Jesus 00:34:00.240 --> 00:34:01.039 is totally God, 00:34:01.159 --> 00:34:01.679 totally man. 00:34:01.759 --> 00:34:02.179 You believe he's 00:34:02.179 --> 00:34:02.599 the king, 00:34:02.699 --> 00:34:03.319 the Christ, 00:34:03.599 --> 00:34:04.319 the son of man 00:34:04.319 --> 00:34:04.939 who died 00:34:04.939 --> 00:34:05.939 in your place 00:34:05.939 --> 00:34:06.779 to give you 00:34:06.779 --> 00:34:07.259 a place 00:34:07.259 --> 00:34:08.219 among God's people. 00:34:11.000 --> 00:34:11.819 When you hear 00:34:11.819 --> 00:34:12.539 of the resurrection 00:34:12.539 --> 00:34:13.079 of Jesus, 00:34:13.199 --> 00:34:13.839 that he's alive, 00:34:14.619 --> 00:34:15.719 you should be assured 00:34:15.719 --> 00:34:18.159 because your faith 00:34:18.159 --> 00:34:19.159 does not rest 00:34:19.159 --> 00:34:20.779 on thin ice, 00:34:21.119 --> 00:34:21.279 brother, 00:34:21.460 --> 00:34:21.759 sister. 00:34:22.420 --> 00:34:23.559 Your faith 00:34:23.559 --> 00:34:24.400 rests on 00:34:24.400 --> 00:34:25.319 the historic 00:34:25.319 --> 00:34:25.599 granite 00:34:25.599 --> 00:34:26.279 granite 00:34:26.279 --> 00:34:28.019 of the real 00:34:28.019 --> 00:34:28.920 bodily 00:34:28.920 --> 00:34:29.960 resurrection 00:34:29.960 --> 00:34:31.639 of Jesus 00:34:31.639 --> 00:34:33.099 the Christ. 00:34:33.719 --> 00:34:34.539 You've not 00:34:34.539 --> 00:34:35.219 made a mistake. 00:34:37.259 --> 00:34:39.139 Let that assurance 00:34:39.139 --> 00:34:41.339 turn to perseverance. 00:34:42.559 --> 00:34:43.119 Press on. 00:34:44.480 --> 00:34:45.380 If you're a 00:34:45.380 --> 00:34:46.679 21st century 00:34:46.679 --> 00:34:47.420 follower of 00:34:47.420 --> 00:34:48.360 the risen Jesus, 00:34:49.139 --> 00:34:49.759 you love him. 00:34:50.400 --> 00:34:51.500 And because you love him, 00:34:51.579 --> 00:34:51.900 you're going to 00:34:51.900 --> 00:34:52.599 constantly be 00:34:52.599 --> 00:34:53.460 learning from him 00:34:53.460 --> 00:34:54.159 so that you 00:34:54.159 --> 00:34:55.059 constantly be 00:34:55.059 --> 00:34:55.940 living for him. 00:34:56.659 --> 00:34:57.739 Press on. 00:34:59.039 --> 00:35:00.059 He's alive. 00:35:01.739 --> 00:35:02.279 But there's 00:35:02.279 --> 00:35:02.880 one more piece 00:35:02.880 --> 00:35:03.259 of this. 00:35:03.980 --> 00:35:04.820 If you're a genuine 00:35:04.820 --> 00:35:05.799 follower of Jesus, 00:35:06.559 --> 00:35:07.619 it's called hope. 00:35:10.000 --> 00:35:11.239 Your risen king 00:35:11.239 --> 00:35:11.960 has defeated 00:35:11.960 --> 00:35:12.519 death 00:35:12.519 --> 00:35:14.320 for you. 00:35:16.599 --> 00:35:17.759 You will see him. 00:35:19.000 --> 00:35:20.059 Not in Galilee, 00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:22.000 in glory. 00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:24.239 And you're one 00:35:24.239 --> 00:35:24.820 day closer. 00:35:26.559 --> 00:35:27.420 Jesus is alive. 00:35:29.639 --> 00:35:30.559 Now let's say 00:35:30.559 --> 00:35:31.199 you're a nominal 00:35:31.199 --> 00:35:31.659 Christian. 00:35:33.099 --> 00:35:33.860 A nominal 00:35:33.860 --> 00:35:35.219 Christian is a 00:35:35.219 --> 00:35:36.420 by name 00:35:36.420 --> 00:35:37.280 only 00:35:37.280 --> 00:35:38.019 Christian. 00:35:39.679 --> 00:35:40.320 There's two 00:35:40.320 --> 00:35:40.840 things you should 00:35:40.840 --> 00:35:42.179 be aware of. 00:35:43.219 --> 00:35:43.719 You remember 00:35:43.719 --> 00:35:44.639 Scott's testimony 00:35:44.639 --> 00:35:45.420 like Scott 00:35:45.420 --> 00:35:47.320 who before he 00:35:47.320 --> 00:35:47.760 was converted 00:35:47.760 --> 00:35:48.400 to Christ, 00:35:48.659 --> 00:35:49.440 he thought he was 00:35:49.440 --> 00:35:49.820 a Christian 00:35:49.820 --> 00:35:50.660 by virtue of 00:35:50.660 --> 00:35:51.740 those who 00:35:51.740 --> 00:35:52.380 are around him. 00:35:53.220 --> 00:35:53.700 Cultural 00:35:53.700 --> 00:35:54.480 Christianity 00:35:54.480 --> 00:35:55.519 is a claiming 00:35:55.519 --> 00:35:57.220 to be a Christian 00:35:57.220 --> 00:35:58.180 by virtue 00:35:58.180 --> 00:35:59.140 of your surroundings. 00:36:01.140 --> 00:36:02.039 A genuine 00:36:02.039 --> 00:36:02.900 Christian is a 00:36:02.900 --> 00:36:03.640 follower of Jesus 00:36:03.640 --> 00:36:04.600 by virtue of a 00:36:04.600 --> 00:36:05.400 changed heart 00:36:05.400 --> 00:36:06.120 and a changed 00:36:06.120 --> 00:36:06.660 allegiance. 00:36:08.340 --> 00:36:09.120 A genuine 00:36:09.120 --> 00:36:10.100 Christian dies 00:36:10.100 --> 00:36:10.720 to themselves 00:36:10.720 --> 00:36:11.240 daily 00:36:11.240 --> 00:36:13.059 in order to 00:36:13.059 --> 00:36:14.340 learn from 00:36:14.340 --> 00:36:15.500 and live for 00:36:15.500 --> 00:36:16.680 Jesus daily 00:36:16.680 --> 00:36:18.140 because we love 00:36:18.140 --> 00:36:18.360 him. 00:36:18.360 --> 00:36:23.920 are you a 00:36:23.920 --> 00:36:24.180 nominal 00:36:24.180 --> 00:36:24.620 Christian? 00:36:26.599 --> 00:36:27.300 Jesus is 00:36:27.300 --> 00:36:27.720 alive. 00:36:29.160 --> 00:36:29.780 And he's 00:36:29.780 --> 00:36:30.280 calling you 00:36:30.280 --> 00:36:30.559 today, 00:36:30.680 --> 00:36:31.039 come, 00:36:31.920 --> 00:36:32.260 die, 00:36:32.960 --> 00:36:33.280 live for 00:36:33.280 --> 00:36:33.500 me. 00:36:36.820 --> 00:36:37.500 But there's 00:36:37.500 --> 00:36:38.260 another aspect 00:36:38.260 --> 00:36:38.640 of this 00:36:38.640 --> 00:36:38.960 nominal 00:36:38.960 --> 00:36:39.559 Christianity 00:36:39.559 --> 00:36:39.960 that I want 00:36:39.960 --> 00:36:40.220 to raise 00:36:40.220 --> 00:36:40.480 to your 00:36:40.480 --> 00:36:40.760 attention. 00:36:40.880 --> 00:36:41.019 Do you 00:36:41.019 --> 00:36:41.260 remember 00:36:41.260 --> 00:36:42.599 how the 00:36:42.599 --> 00:36:43.240 angel in 00:36:43.240 --> 00:36:43.680 the tomb 00:36:43.680 --> 00:36:44.700 singled out 00:36:44.700 --> 00:36:45.059 Peter? 00:36:45.240 --> 00:36:45.400 It's in 00:36:45.400 --> 00:36:45.920 verse 7. 00:36:46.079 --> 00:36:46.420 He said, 00:36:46.559 --> 00:36:47.079 but go tell 00:36:47.079 --> 00:36:47.660 his disciples 00:36:47.659 --> 00:36:48.299 and Peter, 00:36:48.779 --> 00:36:50.239 why does 00:36:50.239 --> 00:36:50.980 the angel 00:36:50.980 --> 00:36:52.059 single Peter 00:36:52.059 --> 00:36:52.399 out? 00:36:54.420 --> 00:36:55.619 Because Peter, 00:36:56.339 --> 00:36:57.379 at the worst 00:36:57.379 --> 00:36:58.539 possible time, 00:36:59.379 --> 00:37:00.699 denied Jesus 00:37:00.699 --> 00:37:02.259 three times. 00:37:04.719 --> 00:37:06.059 All leading up 00:37:06.059 --> 00:37:06.559 to Jesus' 00:37:06.839 --> 00:37:07.359 crucifixion. 00:37:07.440 --> 00:37:07.719 Could you 00:37:07.719 --> 00:37:08.819 imagine the 00:37:08.819 --> 00:37:09.219 shame? 00:37:10.179 --> 00:37:10.420 Could you 00:37:10.420 --> 00:37:10.879 imagine the 00:37:10.879 --> 00:37:11.219 guilt? 00:37:12.139 --> 00:37:12.779 The despair? 00:37:12.779 --> 00:37:12.960 The despair? 00:37:12.960 --> 00:37:13.039 Peter? 00:37:15.280 --> 00:37:16.199 Maybe at 00:37:16.199 --> 00:37:16.820 one point, 00:37:17.880 --> 00:37:18.579 you started 00:37:18.579 --> 00:37:19.539 following Jesus 00:37:19.539 --> 00:37:21.260 and then 00:37:21.260 --> 00:37:21.519 something 00:37:21.519 --> 00:37:21.960 happened. 00:37:23.800 --> 00:37:24.679 And now 00:37:24.679 --> 00:37:25.199 you're thinking, 00:37:25.599 --> 00:37:26.659 there's no way 00:37:26.659 --> 00:37:27.260 that Jesus 00:37:27.260 --> 00:37:27.860 would take 00:37:27.860 --> 00:37:28.440 you back. 00:37:30.400 --> 00:37:30.920 Well, 00:37:30.980 --> 00:37:31.539 if Jesus 00:37:31.539 --> 00:37:33.179 was able 00:37:33.179 --> 00:37:33.940 to forgive 00:37:33.940 --> 00:37:34.659 Peter 00:37:34.659 --> 00:37:35.920 for his 00:37:35.920 --> 00:37:36.460 thrice 00:37:36.460 --> 00:37:37.159 denial, 00:37:37.159 --> 00:37:38.460 and not 00:37:38.460 --> 00:37:39.259 just forgive 00:37:39.259 --> 00:37:39.679 him, 00:37:40.199 --> 00:37:43.480 but make 00:37:43.480 --> 00:37:43.960 him the 00:37:43.960 --> 00:37:44.559 leader of 00:37:44.559 --> 00:37:44.819 his 00:37:44.819 --> 00:37:45.500 church, 00:37:46.500 --> 00:37:49.279 all by 00:37:49.279 --> 00:37:49.899 his grace. 00:37:51.239 --> 00:37:51.980 If he's 00:37:51.980 --> 00:37:52.440 able to do 00:37:52.440 --> 00:37:53.099 that with a 00:37:53.099 --> 00:37:53.739 hothead like 00:37:53.739 --> 00:37:54.079 Peter, 00:37:55.279 --> 00:37:56.119 who denied 00:37:56.119 --> 00:37:56.639 him three 00:37:56.639 --> 00:37:57.159 times, 00:37:57.239 --> 00:37:57.980 he is able 00:37:57.980 --> 00:37:58.539 and willing 00:37:58.539 --> 00:37:59.119 to do the 00:37:59.119 --> 00:37:59.639 same for 00:37:59.639 --> 00:37:59.899 you. 00:38:01.500 --> 00:38:02.339 You are 00:38:02.339 --> 00:38:02.899 invited 00:38:02.900 --> 00:38:04.599 by the 00:38:04.599 --> 00:38:04.860 risen 00:38:04.860 --> 00:38:05.360 Jesus 00:38:05.360 --> 00:38:06.700 to come 00:38:06.700 --> 00:38:07.119 and follow 00:38:07.119 --> 00:38:07.420 him. 00:38:08.420 --> 00:38:09.039 In fact, 00:38:09.119 --> 00:38:09.559 I want to 00:38:09.559 --> 00:38:10.160 invite you 00:38:10.160 --> 00:38:10.700 to come 00:38:10.700 --> 00:38:11.480 follow Jesus 00:38:11.480 --> 00:38:12.920 with us. 00:38:15.780 --> 00:38:16.400 Christ the 00:38:16.400 --> 00:38:16.840 King Church 00:38:16.840 --> 00:38:17.280 is not a 00:38:17.280 --> 00:38:17.500 building, 00:38:17.599 --> 00:38:17.860 we're a 00:38:17.860 --> 00:38:18.160 people. 00:38:19.440 --> 00:38:19.840 And we've 00:38:19.840 --> 00:38:20.360 been rescued 00:38:20.360 --> 00:38:20.840 by the 00:38:20.840 --> 00:38:21.440 risen Jesus 00:38:21.440 --> 00:38:22.000 and now 00:38:22.000 --> 00:38:22.360 it's our 00:38:22.360 --> 00:38:23.200 joy to 00:38:23.200 --> 00:38:23.579 learn from 00:38:23.579 --> 00:38:23.900 him in 00:38:23.900 --> 00:38:24.180 order to 00:38:24.180 --> 00:38:24.480 live for 00:38:24.480 --> 00:38:24.660 him. 00:38:24.740 --> 00:38:25.180 And come, 00:38:25.539 --> 00:38:26.160 come back 00:38:26.160 --> 00:38:26.780 next week. 00:38:27.400 --> 00:38:27.800 Come join 00:38:27.800 --> 00:38:28.139 a life 00:38:28.139 --> 00:38:28.480 group. 00:38:29.139 --> 00:38:29.820 Come join 00:38:29.820 --> 00:38:30.460 the pack 00:38:30.460 --> 00:38:31.680 as we 00:38:31.680 --> 00:38:32.420 follow Jesus 00:38:32.420 --> 00:38:33.019 together. 00:38:33.200 --> 00:38:33.559 We love 00:38:33.559 --> 00:38:33.720 him. 00:38:34.960 --> 00:38:35.180 You're 00:38:35.180 --> 00:38:35.619 invited to 00:38:35.619 --> 00:38:36.079 join us. 00:38:38.480 --> 00:38:38.920 Finally, 00:38:40.519 --> 00:38:41.420 let's say 00:38:41.420 --> 00:38:41.820 you don't 00:38:41.820 --> 00:38:42.200 claim to 00:38:42.200 --> 00:38:42.460 be a 00:38:42.460 --> 00:38:42.760 Christian. 00:38:43.700 --> 00:38:44.380 You never 00:38:44.380 --> 00:38:44.780 have. 00:38:47.180 --> 00:38:47.820 Maybe you're 00:38:47.820 --> 00:38:48.380 learning about 00:38:48.380 --> 00:38:49.000 Jesus for the 00:38:49.000 --> 00:38:49.460 very first 00:38:49.460 --> 00:38:49.659 time. 00:38:49.720 --> 00:38:50.000 Maybe this 00:38:50.000 --> 00:38:50.180 is the 00:38:50.180 --> 00:38:50.519 first time 00:38:50.519 --> 00:38:50.780 you ever 00:38:50.780 --> 00:38:52.019 heard someone 00:38:52.019 --> 00:38:53.059 proclaim from 00:38:53.059 --> 00:38:53.900 the Bible 00:38:53.900 --> 00:38:54.360 what the 00:38:54.360 --> 00:38:55.039 Bible claims 00:38:55.039 --> 00:38:55.740 about Jesus. 00:38:58.059 --> 00:38:58.519 Now, 00:38:58.559 --> 00:38:58.880 believe me, 00:38:58.960 --> 00:38:59.800 nobody likes 00:38:59.800 --> 00:39:00.340 to be strong 00:39:00.340 --> 00:39:00.760 armed into 00:39:00.760 --> 00:39:01.119 anything, 00:39:01.220 --> 00:39:02.000 myself included, 00:39:02.000 --> 00:39:03.019 especially when 00:39:03.019 --> 00:39:03.440 it comes to 00:39:03.440 --> 00:39:03.960 matters of 00:39:03.960 --> 00:39:04.260 faith. 00:39:06.340 --> 00:39:06.800 But let me 00:39:06.800 --> 00:39:07.840 encourage you 00:39:07.840 --> 00:39:08.659 to gather 00:39:08.659 --> 00:39:09.519 your information 00:39:09.519 --> 00:39:10.300 about Jesus. 00:39:12.219 --> 00:39:12.659 Would you 00:39:12.659 --> 00:39:13.500 consider seeking 00:39:13.500 --> 00:39:14.460 Jesus, the 00:39:14.460 --> 00:39:15.300 true Jesus, 00:39:16.300 --> 00:39:17.539 by reading the 00:39:17.539 --> 00:39:18.619 gospel of Mark 00:39:18.619 --> 00:39:19.400 on your own? 00:39:21.139 --> 00:39:21.739 Better yet, 00:39:22.119 --> 00:39:22.579 would you 00:39:22.579 --> 00:39:23.699 consider reading 00:39:23.699 --> 00:39:25.980 the gospel of 00:39:25.980 --> 00:39:26.539 Mark with 00:39:26.539 --> 00:39:27.340 another Christian? 00:39:27.340 --> 00:39:29.320 God's 00:39:29.320 --> 00:39:30.440 name? 00:39:30.440 --> 00:39:30.800 My neighbor 00:39:30.800 --> 00:39:33.180 just finished 00:39:33.180 --> 00:39:33.640 reading through 00:39:33.640 --> 00:39:34.300 the gospel of 00:39:34.300 --> 00:39:34.640 Matthew, 00:39:35.380 --> 00:39:36.600 and we have 00:39:36.600 --> 00:39:37.320 been regularly 00:39:37.320 --> 00:39:38.200 trading texts 00:39:38.200 --> 00:39:38.660 on his 00:39:38.660 --> 00:39:39.579 observations and 00:39:39.579 --> 00:39:40.460 questions as 00:39:40.460 --> 00:39:40.780 he's been 00:39:40.780 --> 00:39:41.340 working through 00:39:41.340 --> 00:39:42.039 that gospel. 00:39:42.680 --> 00:39:42.980 It's been 00:39:42.980 --> 00:39:43.280 great. 00:39:45.700 --> 00:39:46.760 If you want 00:39:46.760 --> 00:39:47.380 to sit down 00:39:47.380 --> 00:39:47.820 with another 00:39:47.820 --> 00:39:48.620 Christian to 00:39:48.620 --> 00:39:49.180 read through 00:39:49.180 --> 00:39:50.260 the gospel of 00:39:50.260 --> 00:39:50.820 Mark or 00:39:50.820 --> 00:39:51.420 Matthew or 00:39:51.420 --> 00:39:52.000 John or 00:39:52.000 --> 00:39:52.320 Luke, 00:39:53.079 --> 00:39:53.700 on your 00:39:53.700 --> 00:39:54.519 connect card, 00:39:54.680 --> 00:39:55.200 there is a 00:39:55.200 --> 00:39:56.100 little box to 00:39:56.099 --> 00:39:56.440 check. 00:39:57.199 --> 00:39:58.039 I would like 00:39:58.039 --> 00:39:58.599 to learn more 00:39:58.599 --> 00:39:59.259 about Jesus. 00:39:59.900 --> 00:40:00.779 Just check that 00:40:00.779 --> 00:40:02.199 box, put it 00:40:02.199 --> 00:40:03.599 into one of the 00:40:03.599 --> 00:40:04.539 baskets that a 00:40:04.539 --> 00:40:05.299 connect team member 00:40:05.299 --> 00:40:05.839 is going to have 00:40:05.839 --> 00:40:06.460 on your way out, 00:40:06.519 --> 00:40:07.079 and we'll set it 00:40:07.079 --> 00:40:07.619 up for you. 00:40:09.679 --> 00:40:10.360 Gather your 00:40:10.360 --> 00:40:10.880 information. 00:40:12.860 --> 00:40:13.699 How are you 00:40:13.699 --> 00:40:14.880 going to respond 00:40:14.880 --> 00:40:15.619 to this 00:40:15.619 --> 00:40:16.799 extraordinary claim 00:40:16.799 --> 00:40:17.839 of this angel 00:40:17.839 --> 00:40:19.319 that Jesus has 00:40:19.319 --> 00:40:19.679 risen? 00:40:21.639 --> 00:40:22.559 He's alive. 00:40:23.699 --> 00:40:24.420 Let me wrap 00:40:24.420 --> 00:40:25.159 this up by saying 00:40:25.159 --> 00:40:25.639 the basic 00:40:25.639 --> 00:40:26.440 question I put 00:40:26.440 --> 00:40:27.099 before you this 00:40:27.099 --> 00:40:27.839 morning is what 00:40:27.839 --> 00:40:29.460 Mark 16 puts 00:40:29.460 --> 00:40:30.179 before us. 00:40:31.159 --> 00:40:31.599 Did the 00:40:31.599 --> 00:40:32.259 resurrection of 00:40:32.259 --> 00:40:32.759 Jesus of 00:40:32.759 --> 00:40:34.099 Nazareth actually 00:40:34.099 --> 00:40:34.559 happen? 00:40:34.639 --> 00:40:35.379 Is it fake news 00:40:35.379 --> 00:40:36.099 or good news? 00:40:36.779 --> 00:40:37.239 And I've been 00:40:37.239 --> 00:40:38.019 making my case 00:40:38.019 --> 00:40:38.859 based on Mark 00:40:38.859 --> 00:40:39.940 16, 1-8, 00:40:40.279 --> 00:40:41.339 that Jesus is 00:40:41.339 --> 00:40:42.500 alive and it's 00:40:42.500 --> 00:40:44.000 the best news 00:40:44.000 --> 00:40:44.859 anyone could 00:40:44.859 --> 00:40:45.139 hear. 00:40:46.539 --> 00:40:47.279 It's the 00:40:47.279 --> 00:40:49.719 linchpin of 00:40:49.719 --> 00:40:50.739 this claim that 00:40:50.739 --> 00:40:51.719 Jesus is the 00:40:51.719 --> 00:40:52.480 Christ, the 00:40:52.480 --> 00:40:53.400 King who came 00:40:53.400 --> 00:40:54.139 and died and 00:40:54.139 --> 00:40:55.500 was raised to 00:40:55.500 --> 00:40:56.000 bring people 00:40:56.000 --> 00:40:56.679 back into a 00:40:56.679 --> 00:40:57.440 life-giving 00:40:57.440 --> 00:40:58.320 relationship with 00:40:58.320 --> 00:40:58.639 God. 00:41:00.159 --> 00:41:00.960 Jesus is 00:41:00.960 --> 00:41:01.639 totally God, 00:41:01.800 --> 00:41:02.440 totally man, 00:41:02.539 --> 00:41:02.920 the risen 00:41:02.920 --> 00:41:04.460 King who is 00:41:04.460 --> 00:41:06.760 alive and is 00:41:06.760 --> 00:41:07.579 on the move 00:41:07.579 --> 00:41:08.599 and he's 00:41:08.599 --> 00:41:09.559 inviting everyone 00:41:09.559 --> 00:41:10.659 in this room, 00:41:11.860 --> 00:41:13.360 come, follow 00:41:13.360 --> 00:41:15.960 me, and live. 00:41:17.360 --> 00:41:18.380 He is risen. 00:41:18.380 --> 00:41:21.800 God, thank you 00:41:21.800 --> 00:41:22.519 so much for 00:41:22.519 --> 00:41:25.240 Mark 16, 1-8. 00:41:26.360 --> 00:41:27.360 God, would you 00:41:27.360 --> 00:41:28.579 do the work 00:41:28.579 --> 00:41:29.180 that you intend 00:41:29.180 --> 00:41:29.619 to do. 00:41:30.760 --> 00:41:31.420 God, would you 00:41:31.420 --> 00:41:33.160 rescue sinners, 00:41:33.559 --> 00:41:34.340 deliver them from 00:41:34.340 --> 00:41:35.340 darkness, bring 00:41:35.340 --> 00:41:36.380 them into the 00:41:36.380 --> 00:41:37.000 kingdom of your 00:41:37.000 --> 00:41:38.400 beloved risen 00:41:38.400 --> 00:41:38.920 son. 00:41:39.820 --> 00:41:40.420 And for those 00:41:40.420 --> 00:41:41.019 of us, Lord 00:41:41.019 --> 00:41:41.680 Jesus, who are 00:41:41.680 --> 00:41:42.380 seeking to follow 00:41:42.380 --> 00:41:44.000 you, God, would 00:41:44.000 --> 00:41:44.780 you put strength 00:41:44.780 --> 00:41:45.680 in our heart 00:41:45.679 --> 00:41:47.659 again to remain 00:41:47.659 --> 00:41:49.599 faithful until we 00:41:49.599 --> 00:41:50.119 see you. 00:41:50.119 --> 00:41:51.480 Amen.