p. 9 | The Women Find Jesus Risen by Arthur V. Fox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 9, 1911

The Women Find Jesus Risen

By Arthur V. Fox

ARTHUR. V. FOX

Joseph of Arimathæa and Nicodemus had wrapped the body of Jesus in linen, with spices, when they laid it in the tomb. John 19:40. This was the custom with the Jews. These women knew it; nevertheless they bought spices, too, to anoint him. It was not enough that others had done it; they would do it also. It was a service of love; and love is not content to serve by others. We see their love also in their being at the sepulcher so early, “at the rising of the sun.” This was on the first day of the week, Sunday. Then they bought the spices, and came to anoint the body. They had rested on the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, “according to the commandment,” which to-day is as binding on Christians as ever.

But they had seen a great stone placed at the entrance. They thought of this as they were coming, and spoke of it to one another. That morning they could think and speak of no subject but one.

Unless the stone was rolled away, they could not get to the body; it was a great stone, too great for their strength; who would help them? No man was near. Upon arriving at the place, they saw, even in that dim light, that the stone was rolled away. Now therefore they could go in. God often rolls away the stone for us when, wishing to do him service, we see some difficulty in our way. No human help appears, perhaps the case is even beyond the help of man; but when we come up to the place,—when we are brought face to face with the work we have to do,—the stone is gone, the difficulty is removed. We should have more faith beforehand. Now the women went in, to apply, as they thought, their spices. But no, the body was gone. The Lord had risen.

Instead, therefore, of doing honor to the dead body of the Lord, these women were to spread the news that he was alive. Their work was quite different from what they had expected. But so it often happens with the servants of God.

The women were to tell the disciples, especially Peter. The last thing we saw of him he was going out to weep after denying the Lord. Well might he think himself cast out from the number of disciples; well might he go apart from all, and hide himself in shame. But his and our most gracious Lord sent him a special message. He was a disciple still, for he was to meet Jesus in Galilee with the rest. The message was, in fact, a message of forgiveness. The Gospel of Mark is the only one in which it is mentioned.

No wonder Peter loved to tell of it; often, no doubt, had Mark heard him do so. There is comfort for us here, great comfort. The Lord had seen Peter’s tears. Even thus does he still deal with those who mourn because of their sins. He forgives them, and sends them messages of comfort.

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