A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:1-8)

“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?'” (See Mark 16:1-8 for full text)

In Mark 16:1–8, women seeking to anoint the body of Christ early Sunday morning were shocked to discover an empty grave. A white-robed young man inside the tomb was waiting for them with a calming message. “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.'” First note that Peter was specifically named for a special word of reassurance and obvious forgiveness after his soul-crushing denial of Jesus. Second, consider the past-tense verbs in the man's message confirming with absolute certainty the reality of Jesus' resurrection. Third, observe the future promise that they would again see Jesus. Serving leaders redeem others' past mistakes, fulfill their promises, and turn despair into hope.

KEY QUESTIONS: When have I experienced redemption for past mistakes? How might I do that for others? When have I had an opportunity to turn people's despair into hope? Who needs me right now to speak hope and healing into their experience?