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. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” Mark 16.1-3
Jesus has died. He is in the tomb. It is now the third day since He was crucified. Day 1 — He dies and is placed in the tomb. Day 2 — the Sabbath occurs. Day 3 — the women come to the tomb. This is the day when Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bring spices to anoint the body of Jesus.
They are just being faithful and honoring the One whom they worshipped and adored. Jesus has left them, and they are fresh in their grief and pain. The mourning is real. Jesus was the hope of the world, and they believed it. No way could He have died. And why did He let them? They saw His power, yet in the end, He was fully submissive to the whims of sinful humans.
This could be a bit of what they are thinking when they arrive at the tomb of Jesus. He is dead, and their hopes are with Him. Smashed against the rocks like waves in the ocean, the dreams of these three women died with Jesus.
And yet, we know what is about to happen. The resurrection has already happened, but they do not yet know it. They are still in their grief, going through the motions, preparing to care for the body of the one they loved.
This anticipation is killing me! Knowing what they are about to experience is so great. And isn’t this what hope in Christ looks like? Not just for the resurrection, although that is the penultimate of all surprises. It can and should be each and every day — God has something good and new for us. His love, His grace, and faithfulness follow us throughout each day if we are aware. His powerful gift of surprise is all around us, showering us with His mercy, flowing through us by His Spirit.
It comes both by faith and by feeling. If we look for it, if we anticipate that God is with us, we can expect great things to happen. Perhaps it’s even in the smallest conversation or the beauty of the day, Christ is near. He is not dead; He is risen.
So, as the writer of Hebrews says, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God,” Hebrews 12:2. Let’s approach each day with the anticipation of the moment, ready to receive God’s love and awaiting Christ’s return.
“O Lord God, draw near to us. Thank You for loving us even when we do not love ourselves. Thank You for enduring the cross and making a way for all to find life in Your love. I praise You, Lord, and can’t wait for the day ahead — another day to walk in Your love. For You are good, and Your love endures forever. Amen.”