April 21-25

Jesus Is Alive!

“And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here.’” — Mark 16:5-6 (ESV)

In 2012, a woman in Brazil was shocked when she arrived at her own funeral. Due to a mix-up, her family had buried the wrong person. She walked in during the wake and said, “Hey, I’m not dead!” Talk about surprise endings! Just like that stunned family, the women at Jesus’ tomb were expecting death, but got life. The big difference? Jesus had been dead… but now He was very much alive (and not because of a paperwork error).

Mark’s Gospel closes with a declaration that is the cornerstone of our faith: Jesus has risen. The empty tomb confirmed His physical resurrection (v. 6), the angel’s message verified it (v. 7), and the frightened women became the first witnesses (v. 8). Pastor Jim reminds us this wasn’t just a spiritual metaphor—it was a bodily resurrection, just as the Scriptures promised (Isaiah 53:10–12). The resurrection proves Jesus conquered sin, death, and the grave. It’s the foundation for our hope and the heartbeat of the Gospel.

Reflection Questions:
1. How does the resurrection of Jesus impact your confidence in God’s promises?

2. Who in your life needs to hear that Jesus is alive today?

Prayer:
Risen Savior, thank You for conquering the grave. Help me to live each day in light of Your victory and share the good news with boldness. Amen.

The Unbelievable Appearances of Jesus

“Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart…” — Mark 16:14 (ESV)

A Florida man called 911 because he couldn’t find his TV remote. When the dispatcher asked if there was an emergency, he said, “I can’t change the channel, and I don’t know how to find it without help!” We laugh—but isn’t it amazing how we sometimes need help believing what’s right in front of us? The disciples saw Jesus, heard the reports, and still struggled to believe.

After rising, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, then to two disciples, and later to the Eleven (vv. 9–14). Despite multiple witnesses, the disciples initially refused to believe. Jesus rebuked their stubbornness but didn’t give up on them. Instead, He met them in their doubt. The appearances of the risen Christ are not just an event; they were an act of mercy and revelation. Jesus doesn't wait for perfect faith—He shows up and grows it.

Reflection Questions:
1. What doubts or struggles are keeping you from fully trusting Jesus today?

2. How have you seen Jesus show up in your life even when your faith felt weak?

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for pursuing me even in my doubts. Strengthen my faith as I walk with You today. Amen.

The Unstoppable Mission of Jesus

“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’”— Mark 16:15 (ESV)

During the 1904 Olympic marathon in St. Louis, runner Fred Lorz “won” the race—until it was discovered he had hitched a ride in a car for 11 miles. When confronted, he said, “It was just a joke!” He missed the point: the real mission was running the race, not cheating the course. Similarly, Jesus’ mission can’t be faked, paused, or bypassed—it moves forward with power, purpose, and perseverance.

Jesus commissions His followers to go into all the world with the Gospel (v. 15). The mission wasn’t for a select few but for every believer. Miraculous signs in the early church (vv. 17–18) confirmed the message, but the focus remains: proclaim Christ crucified and risen. Pastor Jim reminded us that the mission of Jesus is unstoppable—not because of our strength, but because of His authority and power.

Reflection Questions:
1. How are you actively participating in the mission of Jesus?

2. Where is God calling you to “go” with the Gospel?

Prayer:
Lord, send me today with courage and compassion. Make me a faithful witness to Your grace and power. Amen.

The Unshakable Power of Jesus

“So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” — Mark 16:19 (ESV)

After Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, his funeral train traveled over 1,600 miles, drawing enormous crowds. Why? People came not just to mourn a man, but to honor a legacy. But Lincoln, though influential, stayed dead. Jesus, however, rose, ascended, and reigns today! He doesn’t have a monument—He has a throne.

Jesus’ ascension (v. 19) was not a goodbye but a declaration: His work on earth was finished, and His authority now reigns from heaven. Seated at the right hand of God, Jesus intercedes for us (Romans 8:34) and rules over His church. His power is unshakable—no tomb could hold Him, no court could condemn Him, and no throne can rival Him. Verse 20 shows that as the disciples obeyed, Jesus confirmed their work with power. His presence didn’t end—it multiplied.

Reflection Questions:
1. What areas of your life need to come under the authority of Jesus today?

2. How does Jesus’ present reign encourage you to trust Him more?

Prayer:
King Jesus, I submit to Your authority and trust in Your power. Reign in me and work through me for Your glory. Amen.

Living Proof

“And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.” — Mark 16:20 (ESV)

Chuck Colson, former White House counsel for Nixon, once said the resurrection must be true because twelve men maintained the same testimony under persecution, imprisonment, and death. “Watergate involved twelve of the most powerful men in the world,” he said, “and we couldn’t keep a lie for three weeks.” The early disciples didn’t die for a lie—they gave everything for a living Lord.

From the empty tomb to the empowered church, the Gospel story is not wishful thinking—it’s living proof. Jesus is alive, and His resurrection continues to change lives. The disciples, once fearful and doubting, became bold proclaimers. The message spread because Jesus worked with them (v. 20). Our faith is not built on fables—it’s built on facts. And the greatest fact of all? Jesus is alive, and He’s not done yet.

Reflection Questions:
1. Where do you see the living Jesus working in your life right now?

2. How can your life serve as living proof of the Gospel to others?

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for being alive and active in my life. Help me to live in a way that points others to You. Amen.