What Jesus Did! 'Startled by an Angel' — Mark 16:5-6

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

The women walked into the tomb. They saw a young man there wearing a white robe. The man was sitting on the right side of the tomb. The women were afraid. But the man said, "Don't be afraid. You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, the one that was killed on a cross. He has risen from death! He is not here. Look, here is the place they put him when he was dead."
— Mark 16:5-6 NLT
Illustration of Mark 16:5-6 NLT — "Don't be afraid. You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, the one that was killed on a cross. He has risen from death! He is not here. Look, here is the place they put him when he was dead."

Key Thought

These women were more than "touched by an angel"; they were startled by an angel (Matt. 28:5). They knew where Jesus had been buried. They were wondering about why the stone was rolled away from the tomb. They were startled to see an angel where Jesus had been buried. No matter what they imagined would happen at the tomb, they had no expectation that they would be greeted by an angel telling them that Jesus was raised from the dead. What an overwhelming and "gloriously frightening" experience. One day, we too will be startled by angels as they return with the Lord to take us home to his glory. Let's live each day in expectation of that day and look forward to being "startled by an angel."

Today's Prayer

O Father, I look forward to the day your Son returns in glory with the holy angels of heaven. Help me live with expectation, joy, anticipation, and wonder as I await that day. Use my life to help prepare others for your Son's return and to be a blessing to them until that day dawns. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 8:34-38
  • Matthew 16:27
  • Matthew 25:31-32

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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.

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