William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Mark 16:1

The Lord of life was buried on the Friday, in the evening of that day on which he was crucified, and his holy body rested in the silent grave all the next day, and some part of the day following. Thus arose he again the third day, neither sooner nor later; not sooner, lest the truth of his death should have been questioned, that he did not die at all; and not later, lest the faith of his death should failed.

Accordingly when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene getting the other women together, she and they set out before day to visit the holy sepulchre; and about sun-rising they get to it, intending with their spices and odours farther to embalm their Lord's body.

Here observe, 1. That although the hearts of these holy women did burn with an ardent zeal and affection to their crucified Lord, yet the commanded duties of the sabbath are not omitted by them; they keep close, and silently spend that holy day in. mixture of grief and hope.. good pattern of sabbath sanctification, and worthy of our Christian imitation.

Observe, 2. These holy women go, but not empty-handed, she that bestowed. costly alabaster box of ointment upon Christ whilst alive, has prepared no less precious odours for Saviour's corpse. But what need of odours to perfume. body which could not see corruption? True, his holy body did not want them, but the love and affection of his friends could not with-hold them.

Observe, 3. How great. tribute of respect and honour is due and payable to the memory of these holy women, for their great magnanimity and courage; they followed Christ when his cowardly disciples left him, they accompanied him to the cross, they followed his hearse to the grave, when his disciples durst not appear; and now, very early in the morning, they go to visit his sepulchre, fearing neither the darkness of the night, nor the presence of the watchmen.

Learn hence, That courage is the special gift of God; and if he gives it to the feebler sex, even to timorous and fearful women, it is not in the power of men to make them afraid.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Mark 16:1

Old Testament

New Testament