Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
1. Why did the women visit the tomb? See Mark 16:1 (printed below) What does their action indicate?
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, in order that they might come and anoint his body. (Mark 16:1)
There had been no time to give Jesus a proper burial on the evening before the Sabbath. So now, on the first day of the week, the women come to the tomb bringing spices in order that they may anoint Jesus’ body. Their action indicates that they were not expecting the resurrection.
2. What do the women find when they arrive at the tomb? See Mark 16:3-5 (printed below)
Now they were saying among themselves, Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb for us? (4) But looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was extremely large. (5) Upon entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were alarmed. (Mark 16:3-5)
When they arrive the women discover that the huge stone has been rolled away from the entrance of the tomb. Upon entering the tomb they see a young man (an angel) dressed in a white robe.
3. Describe the women’s thoughts and emotions as they experience the events recorded in this passage. Note Mark 16:1,3-5,8 printed below)
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, in order that they might come and anoint his body… (3) Now they were saying among themselves, Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb for us? (4) But looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was extremely large. (5) Upon entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were alarmed…(8) Then they went out and fled from the tomb; for they were overcome with trembling and astonishment. But they said nothing to any one, because they were afraid. (Mark 16:1,5-6,8)
They initially came to the tomb in a state of sorrow and mourning, they had come intending to anoint Jesus’ dead body (verse 1). They contemplated how they could solve the apparently insurmountable problem of moving the huge stone that secured the entrance of the tomb (verse 3). They were no doubt perplexed when, upon arriving at the tomb, they find that the stone has already been rolled away (verse 4). They were alarmed when, upon entering the tomb, they encounter a young man dressed in a white robe (verse 5). Upon hearing the news of Jesus’ resurrection, they fled from the tomb, overcome with trembling, astonishment, and fear (verse 8).
4. What message are the women to deliver to the disciples? See Mark 16:7 (printed below)
But go, tell his disciples—and Peter—that he will go before you into Galilee; there you shall see him, just as he told you. (Mark 16:7)
The women are to notify the disciples that their risen Lord will go on ahead of them into Galilee. Just as He had previously told them (cp. Mark 14:28), He will meet them there and they will once again be re-united.
5. Why does the angel single out Peter as the one who is especially to be told about Jesus’ resurrection?
After having denied Jesus three times, Peter thought about what he had done (Mark 14:72) and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75). Therefore, from the time of the trial until the present moment, Peter was in a state of deep sorrow and unbearable guilt. Our Lord was especially concerned to comfort Peter with the assurance of forgiveness and restoration.
