April 5, 2026
He is Risen, Indeed!
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

The empty tomb confronts our fear and calls us to trust the risen Jesus who goes before us.

Mark 16:1-8
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

I. The empty tomb reminds us that God is already at work before we arrive
II. The empty tomb announces that the crucified Jesus is now the risen King

Anchor your assurance not in your feelings but in the finished work and risen life of Christ.

III. The empty tomb calls fearful disciples to follow the Jesus who goes before them

Jesus is going before you.

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
• I choose to anchor my assurance in Jesus rather than my emotions.
• I commit to trust that Jesus goes before me in every situation.

Deep Dive

1. Why do you think the angel specifically says, “Tell his disciples and Peter”? How does that connect with grace, restoration, and John 21?
2. Mark 16:1-8, says Jesus was “going before them to Galilee.” How does that encourage you in light of Psalm 56:3?
3. How can our group help one another move from fearful silence to faithful witness where we live, work, learn, and play?

Springboards

1. Why is it important that we address difficult passages like Mark 16:9–20 honestly?
2. Read Luke 24:11. What similarities do you see with Mark 16:11?
3. How does Mary Magdalene’s story encourage those who feel disqualified?