Just As Jesus Told You

Rev. Dr. James Voelz, professor of New Testament at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 16:1-8.

Throughout his Gospel account, St. Mark emphasizes the complete reliability of Jesus’ Word. Now, at Jesus’ empty tomb, the angel speaks that same reliable Word to the women. These women have come to Jesus’ tomb after the sun had risen, recalling Malachi’s promise that the Sun of Righteousness would rise with healing in His wings. Indeed, the Son has risen. The women are alarmed at the sight of the young man in Jesus’ open tomb. He proclaims to the women that the Crucified One is the Risen One. Although the women do not see Jesus at this moment, they will see Him when they believe His Word. In this way, the Gospel according to St. Mark serves as good news for those who live in tough times. Just like the women at Jesus’ tomb, even though we do not see Jesus, we have His reliable Word, and that is all we need.

“The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangelist hits the ground running with the very first verse of his Gospel account, and he never lets up the pace. As one deed of Jesus comes right after another, always paired with His authoritative Word, St. Mark proclaims the good news that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, revealed conclusively by His death on the cross.