What Jesus Did! 'Startled by an Angel' — Mark 16:5-6

Friday, December 27, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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When [the women who had come to anoint Jesus' body] entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, "Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body."
— Mark 16:5-6 NLT

Key Thought

These women were more than "touched by an angel;" they were startled by an angel. [1] They knew where Jesus had been buried. They were wondering why the stone was rolled away from the tomb. They were startled to see an angel where Jesus had been buried. No matter what they imagined would happen at the tomb, they had no expectation that they would be greeted by an angel telling them that Jesus was raised from the dead. What an overwhelming and gloriously frightening experience. One day, we too will be startled by angels as they return with the Lord to take us home to his glory. Let's live each day in expectation of that day and look forward to being startled by an angel.

[1] Matthew 28:5.

Today's Prayer

O Father, I look forward to the day your Son returns in glory with the holy angels of heaven. Help me live with expectation, joy, anticipation, and wonder as I await that day. Use my life to help prepare others for your Son's return and to be a blessing to them until that day dawns. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 8:34-38
  • Matthew 16:27
  • Matthew 25:31-32

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 16:5-6 NLT — "Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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