What Jesus Did! 'Gloom or Anticipation?' — Mark 16:1-2

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus' body. Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb.

Key Thought

This passage is filled with anticipation for those of us who live on this side of Jesus' resurrection. However, try to imagine what it was like for those women who had supported Jesus with their funds, had honored him with their discipleship, and were broken-hearted because of his death! Their walk to the tomb was an act of love and faithfulness. In the slowly gathering light of the early morning, their walk would have been a walk of agony and deep grief. Despite the danger of being identified with Jesus, despite the heaviness of their hearts, and despite the early hour of their walk to the tomb, these women still came to honor Christ. What excuse do you and I have for not coming to honor him? As we approach our times together with other Christians who assemble to honor Jesus, let's do so with anticipation, not gloom. "The Lord's Day" is not only the day these women met the resurrected Jesus; [1] it is also our primary day of assembling to remember Jesus and his birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection. Let's approach this day with anticipation and joy in our hearts!

Today's Prayer

Father, make my heart glad to be with your people and meet the resurrected Jesus when we assemble in his name. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 16:1-2 NLT —  Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, to whom all honor is due, Thank you for the earnest care you put into the heart of people like Titus. Thank you for people who respond....."
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"[When Cornelius told Peter about his vision instructing him to send for Peter,] Peter replied, "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In....."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"The Greek word here rendered search signifies a strict, close, diligent, curious search, such as men make when they are seeking gold, or hunters when...."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.