Mark 16: Christ is Risen: Do Not Be Alarmed!

 

Christ is Risen: Do Not Be Alarmed!

Early in the morning, the women went to the tomb. They were sad and afraid. They thought they would find Jesus’ body. But instead, they saw an angel.

6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. (Mark 16:6).

This is the best news in the world. Jesus is alive. The cross was not the end. The tomb is empty. God wants us to hear the same words today: Do not be alarmed.

 1. The Empty Tomb

The tomb was empty. This shows that death has no power over Jesus. As the Bible says:

54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:54). The empty tomb means Jesus won.

The stone was rolled away not so Jesus could get out, but so we could look in. God wanted us to see that the grave is empty.

18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of [a]Hades and of Death. (Revelation 1:18).

The empty tomb gives us hope today. It shows that hope is stronger than despair no problem or sickness is too hard for God. It shows that life is stronger than death. Jesus rose again, and death is not the end. It shows that faith is stronger than fear we do not need to be afraid, because Jesus is alive and gives us courage. The empty tomb is God’s way of saying, “Don’t give up. I am alive, and I am with you.”

2. The Angel’s Words

The angel said, “Do not be alarmed.” God knows we feel fear. But He gives us peace.

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Because Jesus is alive, we do not need to live in fear.

 Fear is real, but faith is stronger. The Bible says: 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7).

Today many of us feel afraid —afraid of sickness, losing a job, or the future. But the angel’s words remind us: Jesus is alive, so we do not need to panic. He gives peace even when the world is full of trouble. His resurrection shows that faith is stronger than fear. God says, “Do not be afraid. I am alive, and I am with you.”

  

3. The Call to Tell Others

The women were told to go and tell the disciples. The resurrection is good news to share.

 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15). We are called to share hope with others.

Sharing the good news brings joy. The Bible says: 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

“How beautiful are the feet of those who [a]preach the gospel of peace,

Who bring glad tidings of good things!”” (Romans 10:15). When we tell others, we spread hope and life.

Many of us today feel empty, lonely, or hopeless. But the resurrection is too good to keep quiet. When we share Jesus, we give others hope and we also feel joy ourselves. The Bible says we are all witnesses, which means every believer has a mission to share Jesus in daily life at home, at work, at school, and with friends. God says, “Do not keep this good news quiet. Share it, so others can have hope too.”

 The resurrection gives us hope, but it also gives us a warning. The angel said, ‘Do not be alarmed.’ This means we should stay away from the things that make our faith weak.

 

• Avoid doubt – Thomas doubted until he saw Jesus (John 20:27). Let us believe even when we cannot see.
• Avoid fear – The angel said, “Do not be alarmed.” Fear steals our faith.
• Avoid silence – The women were told to share. We must not keep the good news to ourselves.
• Avoid forgetting – Sometimes we forget the power of the resurrection in daily life. Let us remember that Jesus is alive every day.

 Mark 16 is not only about the past. It is about us today.

• The empty tomb means our failures are not the end. God can bring new life.
• The angel’s words mean our fears do not control us. God gives us courage.
• The call to tell others means our lives have purpose. We are saved to share His love.

The Bible says: 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies [a]through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11). This means the same power that raised Jesus is in us.

 Reflection:

• What tomb in your life feels heavy right now?
• How does Do not be alarmed speak to your heart today?
• Who can you share the hope of Jesus with this week?

 Let’s pray

Lord Jesus, thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You that You are alive forever. When we feel afraid, remind us of Your words Do not be alarmed. Help us to avoid doubt, fear, silence, and forgetting Your power. Give us courage to trust You, and joy to share Your good news with others. Fill our hearts with hope and peace because You are risen.

Amen.

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PASTORA MAY- JCRC STEUNG MEANCHEY

Mark 15: NO MORE BARRIER

 

NO MORE BARRIER

 SCRIPTURE

³⁸ The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.  Mark 15:38

 When Jesus breathed His last, the veil was torn.

 The veil was torn from top to bottom, symbolizes:

 -          Removal of all things that block our access to God.

-          A permanent opening of God’s presence to us and was accessible to everyone.

-          Giving us direct relationship to the Father

 -Jesus opened up for us the way to the very heart of God.

-Come with a repentant and surrendered heart.

-He will come near you.

- Because there is NO MORE BARRIER.

 

 SYMBOL OF THE TEMPLE VEIL

-          thick and heavy fabric that separated the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the temple where God’s presence dwelled.  

-          Purpose is to separate the sinful people from the holy presence of God.

-          Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people.

 VEIL TORN IN TWO

-          Symbolizes removal of barrier between a holy God and humanity.

-          No longer would people need priests or sacrifices to access God’s presence.

-          Jesus sacrifice made it possible for believers to approach God directly.

  

The VEIL represents our sins, spiritual blindness and the heavy burden of trying to reach God.

 ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 2 Corinthians 3:16

-          When we genuinely repent and surrender to Jesus, the spiritual barrier (veil) is taken away.

 Jesus breaks down those barriers and He becomes both the lamb and High Priest having made the one and only needed blood to sacrifice for our sins and make us right with God. Now He is our advocate before God the Father declaring us as His sheep who know His voice because we believe in Him and obey His teachings.

 Hebrews 10:19-20 says, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.

 LET US..

 o   COME TO HIM DIRECTLY

-          Come to Him not as stranger, but as a child. Come to Him with confidence as you are already being justified and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. We can come to Him directly in prayer, worship, and daily life.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

 o   LIVE IN GRATITUDE AND FREEDOM

-          We are to live in gratitude and freedom, knowing that Jesus’ sacrifice has removed the barrier of sin. Because of His work on the cross, we are no longer separated from God but are welcomed into His presence as His children.

 o   SHARE GOOD NEWS TO OTHERS

-          We are partners in God’s work. The tearing of the curtain calls us to share the good news with others. The way to God is open, and Christians are called to invite others into that relationship, sahring the gospel to others.

  

Prayer,

 

Thank you Jesus because of what you did, there is nor more barrier between me and the Father. I no longer have to stand at a distance. I can now approach your grace with boldness, confidence and complete assurance. Thank you for inviting me into Your presence, not as a stranger, but as Your beloved child. In Jesus Name, I pray Amen.

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PASTORA PAULA – JCRC CAMBODIA

 

MARK 14: SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO THE LORD

 

³ And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,  as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. ⁴ There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? ⁵ For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. ⁶ But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.  -Mark14:3-6

The Lord Jesus said that what the woman did for Him is something beautiful. In other bible translations, the word is something “good” which in Greek is “kalos” describing not only good but lovely, charming or winsome (naturally pleasing, engaging in a sweet, innocent, childlike way) 

What is that something beautiful that the woman did for Jesus?

³ ..a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.   - Mark14:3b

A simple act but when detailed it shows significant surrender, sacrifice and whole-hearted love and devotion to Jesus.

a)      It showed her great devotion to Jesus – She sacrificed/ gave up her alabaster flask of very costly oil

b)      Showed great importance and value to Jesus - She poured not just the customary anointing to guests with a dab of oil but the entire contents of an alabaster flask and used a very costly oil on the head of Jesus

c)      Showed focus and wholehearted love to Jesus – She just walked into the room where Jesus is not thinking of what others may think then used up a very costly oil. She just simply loved Jesus and did something beautiful for Him.

d)      Showed her understanding and belief on the words of Jesus about what will come to pass. – “⁸ She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.”  - She did not tried to talk Jesus out of His upcoming death like Peter but showed her surrender and devotion to Jesus.

e)      She did what she could for Jesus-  “⁸ She has done what she could” – Out of what she can, she did for Jesus.

f)       She did not look upon others opinion and criticism. What matters is having done a good thing to her Lord and Master. “⁴ Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.” Romans 14:4

Out of everyone present in the place, the Lord see her true intentions and heart which greatly pleased Jesus that He said “Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.”

…the woman’s love for Christ break past obstacles of coming to the Lord (pride, criticism, persecution, thoughts of qualification, strength and sacrifice) and was even able to be acknowledge by the Lord as someone who has greatly pleased Him.

 

Isn’t it great to do something out of love? We simply do things wholeheartedly, focused, not counting the work but thinking all is worth it, not looking on others’ opinions, just doing what we can, abiding and believing – having an unconditional love. It is the same in the Lord when we truly love God, nothing matters because our hearts keeps saying “He is worth it”. And we simply do things naturally, pleasing, good, lovely and beautiful to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are our Master, Lord and Savior. May our relationship with you grow stronger as well as our love for You be even more deeper. May we do all things out of love, with joyfulness and sincerity. May our actions and service to You oh Lord be pleasing and beautiful in Your sight. May we develop a great understanding of You, and Your purposes and plans. May our lives give You honor and glory as we continue to abide and grow in the knowledge of You. In Your precious name we pray. Amen.

PAS MELODY - JCRC CAMBODIA

MARK 13: GLORIOUS RUINS

In Gospel of Mark 13:1–2, the disciples were amazed by the beauty and greatness of the temple in Jerusalem:

 “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”

   Mark 13:1

The Temple

• The temple was one of the most magnificent structures of the ancient world.
• Herod built it with massive stones and impressive architecture.
• It became a symbol of strength, achievement, security, and national pride for the Jewish people.

Our Modern “Temples”

• In the same way, we build our own “temples” through:
• careers
• education
• dreams
• achievements
• status and success
• These things are not wrong, but when we depend on them more than God, they can make us prideful and self-reliant.
• No matter how impressive these “buildings” are, they do not glorify God if they replace Him in our hearts.

Jesus responded to the disciples:

 “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

Mark 13:2

• As great as the temple was, Jesus declared that He was greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6).
• For many Jews, the temple had subtly become an idol — something that meant more to them than God Himself.
• Even good things can become idols when they take God’s place in our lives.

Jesus warned:

“Watch out that no one deceives you.”

Mark 13:5

• One deception is believing that what we build can truly secure us.
• Anything built only on human strength is temporary.
• Sometimes God allows our “temples” to be shaken or broken so we stop trusting in ourselves and return to Him.

God’s Purpose in the Shaking

Even in destruction and uncertainty, Jesus says:

“Do not be alarmed.”

Mark 13:7

God may allow things to fall apart to:

• humble us
• purify us
• remove our pride
• teach us to depend fully on Him
• God wants us to build our lives not on earthly achievements, but on Him alone.

God is also able to rebuild this temple (our life, His church) for His name sake. As we surrender, He will surely make it His dwelling place as He wants it to be. We become the GLORIOUS RUINS that glorifies Him alone. 

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: This passage reveals that the "temple" God is rebuilding and dwelling in is your very own body and life. After shaking, there comes rebuilding. 

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

John 2:19

 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Mark 13:31

PAS MATET - JCRC HANOI

MARK 12: PARTNERS IN GOD'S WORK

 

Mark 12:14, 17

 ¹⁴ And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances,^[c] but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” ………. ¹⁷ Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at him.

Have we come in ‘particular’ part of life where we ask questions to the Lord?

Although we are not the Herodians, and we claimed to be Jesus follower. There are times where we asked the Lord this question in a certain aspect of life. It may involve OUR work, family, tithe, time. Sometime we use our faith, our service to the Lord to win a favor from Him. Just like how the Pharisees and Herodians ask God whether or not to pay taxes. This question leads me to understanding that;

1.      Those who follow Him will have the exemption on paying taxes’’. For the Lord must have highest authority than the rulers on the earth. The kind of trap they failed to succeed.

-          As follower we should not use our faith to trap the Lord.

2.      Jesus’ response is rooted to His word. His commands are real – that He did not abolish the Law.

-          As follower we should remain obedient to His command.

There may be times when we ask God the things that we thought are separated from His work, but can actually work together. Just like asking to pay taxes or not. In verse 17, Jesus clearly stated to the pharisees and Herodians to give what is for Caesar’s and to give what’s for God. That it doesn’t keep us away from God rather it supported us to keep the work of God.

Work

Ø  God have given us job to sustain us while doing His ministry. But sometimes job could be too tiring. There are moments that we just wanted to take a break and ask the Lord; ‘’ ‘Lord, the week is too tiring for me, can I have a break from your work, ‘I have work in the ministry you have given me, with your people, is it possible to be absent today from work (job outside)?’ ‘’.  (Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:23-24)

Family

Ø  Our family is part of our work from God. We cannot just neglect them and focus on the ministry when they part of our ministry to lead them to Christ and share His teachings. We should still give them time to fellowship and give support. Failing to do so is just like a child in Mark 7:11-13.

Tithe

Ø  We are God’s laborer and he had given us job to support us – that includes His house. Being the ministers, doesn’t give us the exemption not to tithe. He did not change the command and we’re under His command (Matthew 23:23). So, we cannot say, ‘’ ‘I am working for God, that would show my faith to Him – it is enough’. If God take away the job we have, can we still continue?

Time

Ø  As person, we sometimes want to have a personal time (ME time) and Jesus granted rest to His disciples in Mark 6:31. However, it should not take us away from the work of God for His can be part of our personal life. We are not driving our own life but God leading us to his purpose. So, we die from our self and focus on heavenly pursuit (Matthew 6:33).

 

God is just, loving and righteous. A lot of times, He showered us with favors but it doesn’t mean that we can use this as an excuse to validate our idleness. What we thought things that are separated from God’s work is actually a part of His work. The next time we come to God, we will not be like Pharisees and Herodians who uses the greatness of God for a trap but to truly praise Him because He have given us access to all these things while having the privilege to work in His field.

 

LET’S PRAY

Father God, in the mighty name of your Son Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy spirit, we praise and thank you for your word today. Thank you for letting us understand that life outside can be a partner of your work.  May you always give us your strength, protection, and covering. As we come back to you during our personal time, we will have the right heart to give you praises.  Hold us tightly as we continue to walk on our mission and purpose you’ve called us to do. Thank you, Jesus! This we pray in Jesus’ name! Amen…

ELDER MALYN - JCRC CAMBODIA

Mark 11: TRUE WORSHIP

 

Mark 11:9–10

“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

This reminds us that Jesus is the true King who came to save His people. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd welcomed Him with joy and praise. They shouted “Hosanna,” which means “save us now.”

The people honored Jesus like a coming king:
- They praised Him loudly with excitement and hope.

- They welcomed Him publicly with joy.

However, only a few days later, many of these same people no longer supported Him. This shows that not all praise is real or lasting. Many praised Jesus because of emotions, personal expectations, or excitement, not because of true faith.

Jesus later taught what real worship should be:

1. Worship must be pure and holy - True praise requires a clean and devoted heart -Mark 11:17

2. Real praise is connected with trusting God completely
- Prayer honors God because it shows dependence, trust, and relationship with Him -Mark 11:22-24

3. forgiveness is necessary in worship
- Worship becomes genuine when we forgive others just as God forgives us - Mark 11:25

Reflections:

- Do I praise Jesus only when life is good?

- Do I still trust Him during difficult times?

- Is my worship sincere or only outward?

- Does my life show faith, obedience, and love?

- Is there someone I need to forgive?

Jesus teaches that real praise is more than singing or shouting “Hosanna.” True worship comes from a sincere heart that trusts God, prays faithfully, obeys Him, and forgives others. God desires worship that changes the way we live and love people.

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ELDER BAYIS - JCRC HANOI

MARK 10: IT’S ALL ABOUT FAITH

 

IT’S ALL ABOUT FAITH

IN MARRIAGE:

⁶ But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ⁷ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,^{[a] 8} and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. ⁹ What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

This is the original design of God for man and woman. But because of lack of faith in God, man started to differ from this and ask Moses for the law. Then the new generation disregard the marriage more and more. If we have enough faith in God, whoever we ask from Him to be with us, we will keep it until the end of our life.

 LIKE A CHILD:

¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Children belongs to heaven because of their pure heart. Give them food and they will be happy and thankful. Hurt them and then ask forgiveness and they are ready to play with you again. Give them instructions and they obey without a doubt. They do believe that parent’s or someone they trust will never forsake them. A child’s faith is what God ask us to have.

 

OF A FOLLOWER

²⁸ Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” ²⁹ Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, ³⁰ who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.

Jesus assures His disciples to have more than what you have left for the sake of following Him. And yes we have experienced that, we may be far from our parents, but with the brethren we have more than one pair of parents. We may have left our biological brothers and sister, but in the church we got dozens of brother and sisters. We may be far from our own children, but with the kid’s ministry and youth ministry, we have hundreds of kids around us. We have our family of Christ around the globe. The faith that God will always do His promises, makes us His good follower if not better. It helps us surrender all our possessions and let God move in our lives. And in following Him, truly indeed, we witness that with Him nothing is impossible.

 OF A MAN

⁴⁸ And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁹ And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” ⁵⁰ And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. ⁵¹ And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” ⁵² And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

We are all in a way similar to this man Bartimaeus. We were all sick. All of us need healing. We all need mercy. We need a savior, a redeemer, a Jesus. And when Jesus called us, after we were forgiven, we left our “cloak” our previous identity; the sinner me and you. We became a new creation; we have left the old version of ourselves. We find healing in Jesus, then we follow Him all the way. This is our faith, we know, we believe, we trust that only Jesus and only HIM we need in our lives.

 

Let us reflect.

Is our faith enough to keep God-given people in our lives?

Is our faith enough to let go and surrender our wealth to follow Christ?

Do we have the character of a child to enter God’s kingdom?

Now that Jesus have saved you, will you follow Him all the way?

 

Let us pray.

Papa God,

Thank you for the revelation of Your word and for the conviction it brings.

Help us to discern who are the people you have given us that we need to keep, not only our spouse. May we have the character of a child to enter your kingdom Lord. Give us the courage to let go and surrender our wealth and those things that hinders us to follow you. And make our faith strong enough to surrender our lives to you and follow you all the way with no hesitations and no questions.

These I ask in the mighty name of Jesus.

Thank you my Lord, my God and my King. Amen.

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ELDER MAYEN – JCRC CAMBODIA