Mark 15:42-16:20: The End? Jesus’ Tomb is Found Empty

The Rev. Ryan Fehrmann, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 15:42-16:20.

Witness as the aftermath of Jesus's crucifixion unfolds dramatically. Joseph of Arimathea courageously lays Jesus in his tomb, yet three days later, the tomb is found empty, bewildering the women who came that morning to anoint his body. They encounter a radiant figure proclaiming Jesus's resurrection, setting off a chain of astonishing appearances. From encounters with Mary Magdalene to disciples journeying to Emmaus, and finally to the Eleven, Jesus confirms his victory over death.

Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the divine Savior whose atoning sacrifice makes salvation possible for lost sinners.