What role does obedience play in responding to the angel's message in Mark 16:7? Setting the Scene • After the women arrive at the empty tomb, an angel announces Christ’s resurrection and issues one clear directive (Mark 16:7). • The command is not optional; it carries divine authority equal to any biblical instruction. The Angel’s Command “ ‘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.” ’ ” (Mark 16:7) • “Go” – a call to immediate action. • “Tell” – a responsibility to communicate God’s revelation. • “You will see Him” – a promise tied directly to their obedience. Immediate Purpose of Obedience • Validates Christ’s prior words: “After I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee” (Mark 14:28). • Gathers the scattered disciples so they can witness the risen Lord together (cf. Matthew 28:10). • Transforms fear into faith as they move from the tomb’s darkness to Galilee’s encounter. Patterns of Obedience in Scripture • Noah builds the ark “according to all that God had commanded him” and is delivered (Genesis 6:22). • Israel’s priests step into the Jordan; only then does the water part (Joshua 3:13-17). • Peter obeys the angelic command to leave prison and continues preaching (Acts 5:19-20; 5:29). Consistent theme: divine instruction followed by obedient action releases God’s intended blessing. Blessings Tied to Obedience • Personal Confirmation – “The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him” (John 14:21). • Corporate Strengthening – Obedience brings the disciples back together, forging the nucleus of the church (Acts 1:14). • Gospel Advancement – Their compliance becomes the first link in the eyewitness chain that reaches the nations (Romans 10:14-15). Failure to Obey: A Sobering Note • Mark 16:8 records an initial silence birthed by fear. When obedience hesitates, testimony stalls and joy is delayed. • God’s plan is never thwarted, yet believers forfeit present peace and usefulness when they drag their feet (James 1:22-24). Living It Out • Treat every biblical command as the angel’s words—clear, authoritative, urgent. • Move promptly; delayed obedience is practical disobedience. • Speak boldly; the risen Christ is seen most clearly when His followers relay His message. • Expect Christ to “go ahead” of you; obedience positions you where He has already promised to meet you. |
    |