Study Questions for April 20, 2025

Read Mark 16:1-8

Compare the way Mark ends his gospel from the way he begins it in chapter 1. Does this help you make sense of the abrupt ending to the gospel?

Most of the older Greek manuscripts and early church writings do not list the verses that follow verse eight. Take some time to research this.

1.  In verse 1, why do you think Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices to anoint Jesus’ body, and what does this action reveal about their devotion and expectations?

2.  In verse 2, the women arrive at the tomb very early on the first day of the week. How does the timing of their visit emphasize the significance of the resurrection event in the narrative?

3.  In verse 3, the women are concerned about who will roll away the stone from the tomb. What does this detail suggest about their understanding of the situation and their faith at that moment?

4.  In verse 5-6, the women encounter a young man (angel) in the tomb dressed in a white robe. How does his presence and appearance contribute to the message of hope and divine intervention in this passage?

5. Contrast verse seven with verse eight. What is hindering the women from doing what the angel has told them to do?

How has fear challenged your faith at times? Look up the second verse to the great hymn Amazing Grace. What is the hymn writer saying?