Listen to Sermon
Pastor Tom Johnson, April 1, 2018
Some say our Gospel reading is incomplete—that Mark would never end his story with the women saying “nothing to anyone.” That’s not the way you end a good story. It is a rather anticlimactic way to end the account of the resurrection: “They said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” Some say the extended ending was torn off from the original, damaged, or lost in transmission. But I think think it is completely intentional, in fact, genius.
The three women start off to anoint Jesus’ body with spices—to complete the burial of their Lord. They go early in the morning to avoid detection. They are already anxious about the large stone covering the entrance to where Jesus’ body was. These women have tremendous love for Jesus and courage. They didn’t ask for an escort or protection. To their surprise, an angel says not to be afraid but to go, tell his disciples the good news Christ is risen. They go but they do not tell. They are in shock. They say nothing to anyone, for they are afraid. God’s command to tell others is incomplete. And who can blame them? They are still devastated by the crucifixion and death of their Lord. We know from other accounts that the disciples would often not listen to them because they were women. At least for now, they say nothing to anyone because everything is just too overwhelming.
As Christ’s disciples, we too have been commanded to go and tell the good news. We will end our service today with “Go in peace. Share the good news!” Like Mark’s story, our worship is unfinished—until we tell the good news. Mark’s unresolved ending is designed to make us ask ourselves, “What is keeping me from telling others about Jesus?” “What fears do I have that prevent me from stepping out, reaching out, and proclaiming Christ?” Are we ashamed of our faith? Or that we don’t want to be known as a Jesus freaks? Or that we don’t want people to feel judged or preached at? Or that we don’t want to impose our faith on others? Or are we confused about our mission? God sent his Son from heaven to earth. God sent an angel from heaven to the women. Why would God want to send frightened women—or any of us? We are only human—easily overcome by our fears. Or do we not believe we have a voice or a compelling story to tell? Do we think our age, gender, or station in life is an obstacle? What is keeping us in missional paralysis? What is making our telling of the good news incomplete?
God’s command is simple: “Go, tell.” God believes in these women. We know they will finally overcome their fears and boldly proclaim the Gospel. Likewise, God believes in you and me. We have a story to tell. God sent his eternal Son for us. We have learned about what it truly means to love God and love our neighbor. Jesus has broken down divisions and the hostilities between peoples. He has elevated women and non-Jews. It does not matter if you are male or female, Jew or gentile, slave or free. Each of us has a voice. We have the wisdom of Christ. It has transformed our lives and minds.
Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried. He has been raised. He is not at the tomb where the women thought they would find him. He died and rose again to take away our fear of condemnation, guilt, evil, and death. In Christ we have the full pardon and forgiveness of our sins. In our resurrected Lord we have the assurance of eternal life! And there is a world out there that desperately needs this good news. Mark’s story is incomplete. It is, however, a profound mystery why God does not just write it in the clouds, always send his angels, or send trained theologians. But it is also a privilege and joy. God wants to add us to his beautiful story. We get to participate in telling the greatest story ever told! The story does not end with these women saying nothing to anyone. The story continues where you and I pick up. Jesus goes ahead to make a way. We now go with confidence and joy and tell the good news, “Alleluia! Christ is risen!”
The foe in triumph shouted
When Christ lay in the tomb;
But lo, he now is routed,
His boast is turned to gloom.
For Christ again is free;
In glorious victory
He who is strong to save
Has triumphed o’er the grave.
This is a sight that gladdens—
What peace it doth impart!
Now nothing ever saddens
The joy within my heart.
No gloom shall ever shake,
No foe shall ever take
The hope which God’s own Son
In love for me has won.
("Awake, My Heart, with Gladness," LSB 467, vv. 2 & 3)
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