Lenten Reader | Day 40

April 4th, 2026

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.

Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.

Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

Mark 16:1-20

He Has Risen

On at least three occasions, Jesus predicts his death and resurrection to His disciples. Today’s passage is this climactic moment in the Gospel accounts where this comes to pass. Even though Jesus foretells of these events, the disciples don’t understand. They claimed they were ready to follow Him to death (Mark 15:31), but instead they scattered in fear. In verse 10 we even find the disciples mourning and weeping as Mary Magdelene comes reporting Jesus had appeared to her. Yet the disciples didn’t believe her. They also didn’t believe the other two disciples to whom Jesus appeared. Finally, Jesus appeared to the eleven directly.  Despite the fact Jesus plainly told his disciples about his death and resurrection, they didn’t believe Him or those who witnessed Him after his resurrection. 
 
The gospels are written as a testimony to us about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection so that we can know with confidence that He is who He said He is. Perhaps it is hard for you to believe too. Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith, but He wanted them to know the truth and showed up as proof. 
 
Despite their doubts the disciples go on to be instrumental in spreading the gospel and bring many to faith in Jesus. We are part of this group who have heard the testimony and been changed by the power of God. Today let us remember that Jesus is the son of God and was raised from the dead so we can be made new through Him. Like the disciples we have also been empowered to share the good news of how He has changed our lives. 
 
“He has risen!” as Scripture and eyewitness testimonies declare. His resurrection is not only proof of His identity, but it is the promise of new life for us. His crucifixion is death’s defeat, and his resurrection is our healing. This is good news worth sharing!

Brady Miller