LOOK AT THE TOMB, GO TO GALILEE

Mark 16:1-8

¹ When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and James’ Mary and Salome bought aromatic spices,[a] so that they might go and anoint him^{. 2} And very early on the first day of the week, just after the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. ³ But they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” ⁴ Then looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back- it was very large. ⁵ Then entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were surprised. ⁶ But he said to them, “Do not be afraid. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. Look at the place where they laid him. ⁷ But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you.” ⁸ And they went out and fled from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

SOME OF THE EARLIEST MANUSCRIPTS DO NOT INCLUDE 16:9-20.

the real last words

Mark’s Gospel ends so abruptly that there are several alternate endings which have been added by well-meaning folk over time to finish the story. But Mark’s point is that the story is not finished. We are left with an empty tomb, and an appointment to meet with Jesus in Galilee. In Galilee the apostles will find out where they are being sent. The mission to preach the excellent message has just begun. If we are interested in ministry, this is where our story begins.

LORD, you have now given us our ultimate evidence of your reality and power. We stare at an empty tomb, and we do not ask where you are. We ask where you will send us.

[a] άρωμα