133Dat e of My Bi bl e St u dy: _________

LivesJesus is alive today, defeating death for all who believe in Him.

Session 13

MARK 15:42-47; 16:1-8MEMORY VERSE: MARK 16:6

READ Mark 15:42–16:20, First Thoughts (p . 134), and Understand the Context (p . 134) . While

reading, note words and phrases that point to emotions related to the resurrection .

STUDY Mark 15:42-47; 16:1-8, using Explore the Text on pages 135–139 . Highlight the things that

were surprising in the verses . As you study, try to put yourself in Joseph’s place or in the place of

the women . Reflect on how you might have responded in this situation . Complete the Bible Skill

activity (p . 134; PSG, p . 125) for further study of passages pointing to the resurrection . Also examine

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 for Paul’s words about the resurrection .

PLAN the group time using Lead Group Bible Study (pp . 140–141), More Ideas (p . 142), ideas

included in QuickSource, and ideas online at Blog .LifeWay .com/ExploretheBible/Adults/ LeaderExtras .

Customize a plan to meet the needs of your group .

GROW from expert insights on weekly studies through the Ministry Grid (MinistryGrid .com/Web/

ExploretheBible) .

GATHER the following items: Personal Study Guides . Prepare to display: PACK ITEM 2

(Outline of Mark); PACK ITEM 6 (Key Verse: Mark 10:45); and PACK ITEM 9 (Handout:

Gentiles Featured in Mark) . For More Ideas (p . 142): A volunteer and song recordings for playing

Name That Tune (if using the First Thoughts alternative idea); and PACK ITEM 13 (Handout:

Who Was at the Cross?) .

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FIRST THOUGHTSSome of the world’s most beloved stories feature seemingly hopeless situations. Then, against all hope, there’s a dramatic reversal. In most cases, the reversal is initiated by a hero who saves the day. We see these same dynamics at play in many of the historical events recorded in Scripture.

(In PSG, p. 118) Do you have a favorite catastrophe reversal story? How did you react when things finally turned out well? Why has it made an impact on you?

UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXTSeveral weeks ago (session 8), we studied Mark’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion in order to focus on His death at Eastertime. When we look at Jesus’ death from the perspective of His first followers, it was a calamity beyond all calculation. Simon Peter, as spokesman for the Twelve, had confidently confessed Jesus as the Messiah, that is, the one who had been prophesied in the Scriptures (Mark 8:29). Crowds had welcomed Him to Jerusalem—the royal city—as king to shouts of hosanna. They saw in Jesus the promise of the restoration of David’s kingdom to new heights (11:10). Then the unthinkable had happened. Their world had been shattered. The One in whom they had placed all their trust and hope had been crucified and was now dead. There was nothing more to be done, was there?

Mark was careful as he developed his Gospel to let his readers know that this upheaval was exactly what Jesus Himself had prophesied on multiple occasions (8:31-32; 9:31; 10:33-34). Further, each time Jesus had also foretold the reversal of the catastrophe: He would rise to new life on the third day. Yet Mark was emphatic in reporting that the disciples who heard Jesus’ prophecy did not yet grasp what He meant. They did not have any way to understand what a resurrection from the dead might mean; after all, it had never happened before in human history. They completely blocked out what He said about both His death and His resurrection; that’s why His death shook them up so seriously.

As we focus on Jesus’ resurrection in this final lesson, seek to be awed afresh at how Jesus’ resurrection changes everything. It is the greatest catastrophe reversal ever. Jesus is alive today, defeating death for all who believe in Him.

KEY DOCTRINE

Son of GodHe was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion (John 20:19).

BIBLE SKILL

Use multiple Scripture passages to understand a major doctrine.

Read the following passages and take note of how each passage points to the resurrection of Jesus: Job 19:25-27; Psalm 22:25-31; Isaiah 53:8-10; and Hosea 6:2. How can you relate these passages to Mark 16:5-8? How do these passages give greater understanding about the resurrection of Jesus?

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EXPLORE THE TEXTBURIED (MARK 15:42-47)

VERSES 42-43

Mark gave a surprising amount of attention to Jesus’ burial. He wanted his readers to understand that Jesus was really dead. He also emphasized that the women accurately observed Jesus’ tomb and did not make a mistake when they went there on the first day of the week. Both of these were important pieces of evidence pointing to Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

As he sometimes did, Mark explained Jewish terms for his Gentile readers. The day of preparation is another example. The Sabbath was Saturday (Friday sundown until Saturday sundown by our reckoning). Thus, “preparation day,” when the Jews did the required preparation so that they could observe the Sabbath as a day of rest, was Friday (until sundown).

The term translated evening could refer to anytime from about two hours before sundown till two hours after. Certainly here the meaning is that the work of burying Jesus had to be completed before sunset so that the Sabbath would not be desecrated. (See also Deut. 21:22-23.)

Bible students are not sure where •Arimathea was. Luke describes it as a “Judean town” (Luke 23:51). Joseph is known to us in Scripture only because he provided the tomb for Jesus’ burial. Mark further identified him as a prominent member of the Sanhedrin, that is, the ruling council of Jewish leaders. Matthew 27:57 called him a “disciple” of Jesus, although John 19:38 noted that he kept this a secret. John also noted that Joseph was assisted by Nicodemus.

Mark provided the added information that Joseph was looking forward to the kingdom of God, one of the major themes of Jesus’ preaching. His hopes for the coming of the kingdom had been crushed—like that of all of Jesus’ disciples—because of Jesus’ crucifixion.

That Joseph boldly went to Pilate reflects that he was finally willing to take a risk on account of Jesus. On one hand, the other members of the Sanhedrin would realize that he had sympathy for Jesus. On the other hand, it was by no means certain that the corpse of a crucifixion victim—especially one convicted of treason—would be given respectful attention by the governor. The dead body of Jesus was the property of the Roman government, and it was the governor’s call on what to do with the remains.

(In PSG, p. 120) What dangers did Joseph face in claiming Jesus’ body? What risks might a person face today for taking to stand for Jesus?

VERSES 44-45

Crucifixion victims could linger in agony for two or more days until finally exposure or thirst or asphyxiation brought death. Thus, Pilate wanted to

VERSES 42-45

42 When it was already evening, because it was the day of preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath), 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body. 44 Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had already died. 45 When he found out from the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph.

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR

For additional context, read “Pilate’s Role in Jesus’ Death,” available digitally in the Spring 2019 Biblical Illustrator for Explore the Bible at LifeWay.com/BiblicalIllustrator.

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make sure Jesus was really dead before he released the body. He had a stake in making sure that the death penalty had been fully carried out.

The centurion who confirmed Jesus’ death to Pilate was likely the same man who had watched Him die and had confessed, “Truly this man was the Son of God” (15:39). He was a professional executioner and had no doubt seen many men die, so Pilate trusted him to provide accurate information.

Mark didn’t provide details about the centurion’s report, other than that he confirmed Jesus’ death to Pilate. As far as we know, it was uncommon for a corpse to be handed over to anyone other than a family member. Family members had not come forward, however. Further, Jesus’ known disciples were nowhere to be found (unlike the disciples of John the Baptist, who took the risk of burying their master, Mark 6:29). Yet Pilate may have known of Joseph’s reputation, and something had to be done with the body. Joseph’s offer took the problem off Pilate’s hands.

VERSES 46-47

From a Christian apologetics point of view, it was important to know that Jesus was really buried as further evidence that He truly died. Mark’s account makes this clear. Joseph had no way of knowing that the burial would be short-term; thus, he did the best he could in the short amount of time he had before sundown, when no more work could be done.

Linen cloth suitable for burial purposes was readily available since Jewish practice called for burial within one day of death. Presumably, Joseph had his servants help him take the body of Jesus down from the cross, for this was more than a one-person job. At some point Nicodemus joined in, who made burial spices available. Together they wrapped Jesus’ body in strips of linen layered with spices (John 19:39-40).

Joseph was the owner of the tomb cut out of the rock into which Jesus’ body was laid (Matt. 27:60). There are examples of rock-carved tombs around Jerusalem known to archaeologists so that we have a good idea of the configuration: a low entrance leading to an opening with several shelves on which bodies could be laid. The heavy stone that was rolled against the entrance to the tomb was probably shaped like a large, flat disk designed to fit into a groove so that it could be moved back and forth across the entrance.

Mark 15:40 noted three women who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and death. Now Mark noted that two of them also observed His burial. One was Mary Magdalene, meaning Mary from Magdala, a Galilean town. She was not previously mentioned in Mark but is noted in Luke 8:2-3 as a disciple and financial supporter of Jesus, whom He had set free from evil spirits. She is the only woman mentioned in all four Gospels as a witness of Jesus’ empty tomb on Easter morning.

The other person Mark named was Mary the mother of Joses (noted in Mark 15:7 also as the mother of James the younger, who was possibly the same as James the son of Alphaeus, one of the Twelve, Mark 3:16-19). Mark emphasized the role of these women in observing the exact location where he was laid. Luke 23:55-56 notes that women not only saw the place but also prepared additional burial spices. They were unable to apply them because the Sabbath had begun.

VERSES 46-47

46 After he bought some linen cloth, Joseph took him down and wrapped him in the linen. Then he laid him in a tomb cut out of the rock and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were watching where he was laid.

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GRIEVED (MARK 16:1-4)

VERSES 1-3

The Sabbath ended at sundown on Saturday. Shops likely opened then for a few hours. The women may have made their purchases then or very early the next morning, the first day of the week—Sunday by our reckoning. They were not satisfied with (or possibly were unaware of) the preparations of Jesus’ body made by Joseph and Nicodemus. Clearly, they were not expecting the resurrection. They were looking for closure.

Thus, the women bought spices, so that they could go and anoint the body of Jesus. The purpose was not to embalm the body (which Jews did not practice) but rather to offset the smell of decomposition. In addition to the two Marys who had watched Jesus’ burial, now Salome joined with them. (She had witnessed Jesus’ death, Mark 15:40; she was possibly the mother of the apostles James and John, the sons of Zebedee, a conclusion supported by comparing Mark 15:40 with Matthew 27:56.)

Mark was clear that these events occurred on the first day of the week, which quickly became the day of worship for Jesus’ followers in honor of His resurrection. Evidently, the women set out very early in the morning, while it was still dark, but they arrived at the tomb at sunrise.

The women realized they had a problem for which there was not yet a solution. The stone that had been rolled in front of the entrance to the tomb was large and heavy. If the tomb entrance had been designed so that the stone fit into a groove, then possibly the groove was dug slightly downhill, just to keep the doorway properly protected against thieves or the elements or scavenging animals. Matthew 27:62-66 describes another potential problem, but one of which the women were likely unaware: Pilate had permitted guards to be placed at the tomb to keep Jesus’ disciples from stealing His corpse and starting a resurrection fabrication.

VERSE 4

The women hoped for a human solution to their predicament, but there was a God-given solution. When they arrived they noticed that the stone … had been rolled away. Matthew 28:2-3 indicates that God sent an earthquake and then an angel to roll the stone away from the doorway of the tomb. Mark was content to note that the stone was very large—too large for the women to manage.

The women did not yet know the real answer to their grief was that Jesus was now alive. He was the one who had conquered death and would bring them new hope.

How does knowing that Jesus defeated death bring you hope when you experience grief? In what situations of grief have you received the greatest sense of hope because you knew Jesus is alive?

VERSES 1-3

1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they could go and anoint him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. 3 They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us? ”

VERSE 4

4 Looking up, they noticed that the stone — which was very large — had been rolled away.

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RESURRECTED (MARK 16:5-8)

VERSES 5-6

With the women’s problem unexpectedly resolved, they did not hesitate to go past the doorway and enter the tomb. They were expecting to go about the business they had come to carry out, caring for the body of Jesus before they left His remains behind forever. Instead of a corpse, however, they saw a young man, very much alive, who was sitting on the right side of the place where Jesus’ body had been.

Of course, Mark meant for his readers to understand that this was an angel of God, and in other places in the New Testament angels are described as dressed in a white robe (Matt. 28:3; John 20:12; Acts 1:10). The term translated alarmed here and in verse 6 was used in Mark only in two other places, 9:15 and 14:33. Other possible translations are “amazed,” “dumbfounded,” “overwhelmed,” or “deeply distressed.”

In the original language of the New Testament, the term translated “angel,” is angelos, meaning “messenger.” Here, the divine visitor to the tomb fulfilled his role by bringing the women words from God that they desperately needed. First, he acknowledged their distress: Don’t be alarmed. Second, he acknowledged that he knew their intentions: You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth. Then, just to make sure there was no confusion on anyone’s part, he specified that he knew they were looking for the one who was crucified.

Next, the angel testified to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection: He has risen! Jesus had spoken about His future resurrection over and over (8:31; 9:9,31; 10:34; 14:28). Now it had happened! If the first evidence of Jesus’ resurrection was the testimony of an angel, the second evidence was that His tomb was empty. Thus, the women were asked to examine it for themselves: He is not here. See the place where they put him. Because they had witnessed His burial in that exact location (15:47), they could now prove for themselves that He was there no longer.

No one would have dreamed of making the women the first witnesses of the resurrection.

Bible students have often noted that in first-century Jewish life, the testimony of women was not acceptable in court. In Roman society, women had a lowly place. Thus, if the account of Easter morning was a fabrication, no one would have dreamed of making the women the first witnesses of the resurrection. This, in fact, speaks loudly for the historicity of Mark’s account (and the other Gospel writers as well). Wonderfully, women—so looked down on—were the first ones entrusted with the message of the resurrection and asked to proclaim it.

VERSES 5-6

5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him.

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VERSE 7

The angel then commissioned the women to deliver an all-important message. It was intended for Jesus’ disciples and Peter. The Lord had a great concern for His disciples to know about the resurrection as soon as possible. No doubt Peter was singled out because he had recently been such a miserable failure (14:66-72) and needed to know he had not been excluded from the apostolic company or from usefulness. The introduction to Mark at the beginning of these studies suggested that Mark composed his Gospel based on the eyewitness memories of Peter. If this is true, then Mark’s last mention of Peter here is a tender touch. The readers are given a hint that Peter was ultimately restored to fellowship and service (which Acts and Peter’s epistles make clear).

Mark’s last mention of Peter here is a tender touch.

Jesus had told the disciples at their last supper together that He would precede them to Galilee, their home region, after His resurrection (14:28). Surely when the disciples heard this from the women, their memories were jogged and their hope was renewed.

Although the other Gospels report that Jesus appeared to His disciples in Jerusalem before they returned to Galilee, Matthew 28:16-20 reports that the eleven disciples did meet Jesus there for His instructions. There He commissioned them, and perhaps also it was in Galilee that He revealed Himself alive to a group of five hundred (1 Cor. 15:6). John 21 records Jesus’ resurrection appearance beside the Sea of Galilee, when Peter was fully reinstated.

VERSE 8

The women had too much to process for them to immediately carry out the angel’s instructions. They went out and ran from the tomb. Mark mentioned that they were afraid, so much so that they trembled. This is a normal human response to a totally unexpected series of events. The term translated astonishment included the idea of awe as well as bewilderment. Thus, for the moment, they said nothing to anyone. They were perhaps concerned that no one would believe them. Later that day, however, they took courage. They did report their experiences to the men. (See Luke 24:9-10.)

How can the women’s commission by the angel be a positive example to us today? To what extent do you see yourself as someone entrusted with good news to share, that Jesus is alive and has conquered death?

VERSE 7

7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.’”

VERSE 8

8 They went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid.

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LEAD GROUP BIBLE STUDY

FOCUS ATTENTION (FIRST THOUGHTS)

INTRODUCE: As the group arrives, ask: Who is your favorite comic book superhero? Did you or a family member ever have superhero pajamas or costumes?

EXPLAIN: Superheroes grab our attention because they nearly always appear in a time of desperation to save the day. Then, inquire: Do you have a favorite catastrophe reversal story? How did you react when things finally turned out well? Why has it made an impact on you? (PSG, p. 118)

TRANSITION: In today’s study we find the most important rescue ever recorded and one that continues to rescue us from death today.

EXPLORE THE TEXT

REVIEW: Last month as we celebrated Easter, we discussed how Jesus willingly gave His life on the cross to bridge the gap between God and humanity caused by our sin. In our previous session we studied Mark 14 and saw how Jesus moved toward the cross and submitted to the Father’s plan for providing salvation. Today we look at the completion of God’s plan for our redemption. Direct attention to Pack Item 2 (Outline of Mark) and note the final division: Salvation Secured.

CONTEXTUALIZE: Utilizing Understand the Context (p. 134; PSG, p. 119), provide the background for today’s session. Review the series of trials before both religious and political leaders that Jesus faced before His crucifixion. Explain how the upcoming arrival of the Sabbath impacts today’s session.

READ: Invite a volunteer to read Mark 15:42-47, as the group identifies surprises in the verses.

GUIDE: Lead the group to identify how surprising it was to Pilate that Jesus was already dead and that Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, would be the one who approached Pilate for permission to bury Jesus.

DISCUSS: What dangers did Joseph face in claiming Jesus’ body? What risks might a person face today for taking to stand for Jesus? (PSG, p. 120)

EXPLAIN: While Joseph did what he could to take care of Jesus before the start of the Sabbath, the women watching recognized that more final preparations were needed. The women had witnessed the crucifixion from a distance and now they watched as Joseph placed Jesus in the tomb. They determined that after the Sabbath they would return to complete what Joseph had started. The Gospel writers emphasized the important role women played during Jesus’ earthly ministry and after His death. Note that Mark wrote primarily to a Gentile audience, so these Jewish burial customs needed to be explained in detail.

GUIDE: Review Jesus’ actions related to balancing between His Jewish and Gentile audience using Pack Item 9 (Handout: Gentiles Featured in Mark).

READ: Call on a volunteer to read Mark 16:1-4, as the group listens for the dilemma that the women approaching the tomb expected to encounter and another surprise.

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STATE: Jesus had shared repeatedly that He would rise from the dead on the third day, but the women seemed not to understand the significance of the day, even when they found an open tomb.

ASK: When have you forgotten a lesson God clearly showed you? How did He remind you of that truth? (PSG, p. 123)

READ: Direct someone to read aloud Mark 16:5-8, asking the group to note the three statements about Jesus made by the angel in the tomb.

STATE: Mark wrote his Gospel to emphasize that Jesus was the Messiah. The resurrection is the ultimate proof of his argument.

IDENTIFY: Lead the group to identify the three statements made by the angel.

READ: Invite a volunteer to read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 to hear Paul’s words regarding the resurrection. Read aloud again Mark 16:5-8, focusing on the women’s reaction to the angel’s words.

DISCUSS: What is the importance of the three facts pronounced by the angel? How might those same facts be declared today? (PSG, p. 124)

ASK: How might you have felt if you were in the women’s shoes? How might you have responded to the angel’s message?

GUIDE: Perhaps Peter was noted specifically in verse 7 because he needed reassurance that even though he had denied Jesus, he was forgiven, just as we are forgiven today. Mark 16:9-20 lets us know that Jesus appeared to His disciples and challenged them to preach the gospel.

SHARE: Call for volunteers to share what they discovered as a result of completing the Bible Skill activity (PSG, p. 125) for this week.

TRANSITION: Point to Pack Item 6 (Key Verse: Mark 10:45), and say: Jesus provides hope for His followers as He experienced death, paid for our sins, and is alive today having conquered death!

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE (IN MY CONTEXT)

STATE: Joseph stepped forward to demonstrate his faith when he requested Jesus’ body.

ASK: What are some ways you and your Bible study group can serve Jesus? How can you follow Joseph’s example by taking your faith public? (PSG, p. 126)

MEMORIZE: Point out today’s memory verse (Mark 16:6), and guide the group to read chorally the verse several times.

GUIDE: Direct the group to turn to a neighbor, repeat the verse, and share what the verse means to them.

EXPLAIN: We began today’s session considering superheroes who save the day, but Mark’s Gospel shares about Jesus, who paid the price for our sins and lives today.

PRAY: Close in prayer, thanking God for sending His Son to pay the price for our sins. Thank Him for the resurrection of His Son and the salvation He provides for each person who trusts Him as Lord.

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PRACTICE• Send an email or text pointing to key insights gained through the group’s study of

Mark. Challenge everyone to continue to reflect on these insights.

• Send an email to the group reminding them that Jesus brings us hope and good news. Challenge them to live each day serving Him.

MORE IDEASFOCUS ATTENTION (FIRST THOUGHTS)

As another option for Focus Attention, play the game Name That Tune. Prior to the session, enlist someone to play the piano or record snippets of three or four songs related to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Songs might include: “Because He Lives,” by Bill and Gloria Gaither; “He Lives,” by Alfred H. Ackley; or “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth,” by Jessie B. Pounds. More recent songs might include “In Christ Alone,” by Andrew Shawn Craig and Donald A. Koch; “I Believe (The Creed),” by Hillsong Worship; and “At The Cross (Love Ran Red),” by Chris Tomlin. Ask the group what all the songs have in common that might provide a clue about today’s session.

EXPLORE THE TEXT

• To further discuss Mark 15:42-47, use Pack Item 13 (Handout: Who Was at the Cross?) to review each person’s response to Jesus and His actions on the cross.

• To enhance the study of Mark 15:42-47; 16:1-8, enlist volunteers to role play the scenes as a narrator reads the verses. Direct the role players and narrator to freeze between the verses in Mark 15 and 16 to allow time to identify how the women watching may have felt.

• As an alternative to asking about the Bible Skill, break into small teams and lead them to examine other Scripture passages that point to the resurrection: Job 19:25-27; Psalm 22:25-31; Isaiah 53:8-10; and Hosea 6:2. Discuss how these passages relate to Mark 16:5-8 and how these passages provide greater understanding about the resurrection of Jesus (PSG, p. 125).

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE (IN MY CONTEXT)

Read aloud 1 Corinthians 15:13-19 where Paul stated that the resurrection is essential to the faith. Guide the group to reflect on how they would complete the phrase, “I know that Jesus lives because ...” Direct them to turn to a neighbor and share how they would finish the sentence. Invite volunteers to share their responses with the whole group.

SUGGESTED MUSIC IDEA

Sing or read chorally “Because He Lives,” by Bill and Gloria Gaither or “I Believe (The Creed),” by Hillsong Worship. To close the session, invite the group to share one way their lives are different because Jesus lives.

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