“Looking Up During Uncertain Times”

A Daily Devotional

Text:  Mark 16:1-8 International Children’s Bible

Scripture Reading: 

Jesus Rises from Death

16 The day after the Sabbath day, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought some sweet-smelling spices to put on Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on that day, the first day of the week, the women were on their way to the tomb. It was soon after sunrise. 3 They said to each other, “There is a large stone covering the entrance of the tomb. Who will move the stone for us?”

4 Then the women looked and saw that the stone was already moved. The stone was very large, but it was moved away from the entrance. 5 The women entered the tomb and saw a young man wearing a white robe. He was sitting on the right side, and the women were afraid.

6 But the man said, “Don’t be afraid. You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, the one who was killed on a cross. He has risen from death. He is not here. Look, here is the place they laid him. 7 Now go and tell his followers and Peter, ‘Jesus is going into Galilee. He will be there before you. You will see him there as he told you before.’”

8 The women were confused and shaking with fear. They left the tomb and ran away. They did not tell anyone about what happened, because they were afraid.

Reflection: 

In the last two verses the women are told to go and tell Jesus’ followers and Peter but they don’t tell anyone because of fear. Has fear ever kept you from following through? What would you have done?

Prayer: 

Dear God, Thank you for Jesus and the Easter story! Amen.

Focus for the Day: Easter

Author: Rachel Dudley, Director of Children’s Ministry