Fearless This Easter...

This Easter at Gymea Anglican Church, our theme is Fearless. It comes from one of the most surprising endings in the Bible - Gospel of Mark chapter 16.

But before we get there, a quick encouragement:

Our Easter flyers were in last week’s bulletin and will be there again this week - please take them and invite friends, family, and neighbours. You can also share our social media posts or grab the service links from our website and send them via text or email. A simple invitation can go a long way.

Now, about that ending…

If you’ve ever noticed the note in your Bible that some manuscripts of Mark end at verse 8, you might have wondered why. Far from undermining confidence, this actually strengthens it. It shows how carefully the Bible has been preserved. Rather than quietly removing later additions, translators have been transparent - keeping them visible but clearly marked.

That’s integrity.

And when you read Mark’s original ending (at verse 8), it feels… abrupt.

No appearances of the risen Jesus.No neat resolution.Just an empty tomb, a message

from an angel - and this:

“Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb… they said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.”

Afraid.

It feels like a strange way to end the story. But actually, it fits perfectly.

All the way through Mark’s Gospel, people encounter Jesus and respond with awe, amazement, and often fear. Again and again, they’re left stunned by who he is and what he’s done. And here at the empty tomb - when the reality of the resurrection dawns - the same response comes: fear and astonishment. Mark began his Gospel by declaring that Jesus is the Son of God. And by the time we reach the cross, a Roman centurion finally says it out loud:

“Surely this man was the Son of God!” 

The evidence has been laid out. The verdict is clear. So Mark ends his Gospel not by wrapping everything up - but by turning to us. The women are silent.The disciples are nowhere to be seen.The question hangs in the air:

Will you speak?

Will you recognise Jesus for who he is - and tell others? Or will you stay quiet? That’s why Easter matters. And that’s why your invitation matters.

So this week, be fearless. Invite someone. Bring someone. Share the news. Because the tomb is empty - and that changes everything!