Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

The King's Victory

Bryan Schneider · March 30, 2024

Mark 16

sharonrpc.org/sermons/the-king-s-victory

Summary

The women approach Jesus' tomb in grief and practical uncertainty, but find the stone moved, the tomb empty, and an angel announcing that the crucified Jesus has risen.
The angel grounds their hope in concrete facts: they are at the correct tomb, the body had lain there, and Jesus had repeatedly foretold his death, resurrection, and meeting in Galilee.
Fear and ecstatic amazement mingle as the women begin to grasp that Christ's resurrection opens hope beyond every form of despair.
The disciples initially refuse multiple eyewitness reports, and Jesus directly rebukes their unbelief and hardness of heart rather than demanding unquestioning suppression of doubt.
The sermon argues that bodily appearances, the empty tomb, named witnesses, early testimony, and the apostles' costly lifelong witness establish the resurrection as history rather than fable.
The risen King commissions apostles to herald the gospel throughout the world, promising salvation to believers and confirming their foundational witness with signs recorded in Acts.
Christ's ascension and session at the Father's right hand declare his present victory, universal reign, continuing work with the church, and future return.
Because the Redeemer lives, Christians can face suffering, persecution, and death with durable hope, though following him may cost comfort, reputation, family ties, or life itself.

How does the angel move the women from alarm toward rational and remembered hope?
Why do fear and amazement coexist when they encounter the empty tomb?
What kinds of despair are answered by the fact that Jesus is bodily alive?
How does Jesus address the disciples' disbelief rather than encouraging them to suppress questions?
What historical evidence does the sermon offer for the resurrection?
Why does the apostles' costly perseverance matter to the credibility of their testimony?
How do the resurrection and ascension authorize the worldwide proclamation of the gospel?
What might faithfulness to the victorious King cost us?

Resurrection: Jesus' bodily rising from death on the third day with the same body in which he suffered.
Eyewitness: A person who directly saw, heard, and encountered the risen Christ and could testify publicly to the event.
Apostle: A commissioned representative authorized by the risen King to proclaim his message and establish the church.
Ascension: Christ's bodily reception into heaven after his resurrection.
Session: Christ's present enthronement at the right hand of the Father in power and glory.
Historical faith: Trust rooted in God's acts within history and the reliable testimony he has preserved, not a leap detached from evidence.