―When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him. Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.‖ Mark 16:1-2 NASB95

**********

The first persons to visit the tomb of Christ after his burial and after the Sabbath were women. The mention of the names of the women emphasizes the importance of them as witnesses. Mark showed that identifiable persons witnessed the crucifixion, the burial, and the empty tomb.

They had been interrupted from completing the burial process because of the Sabbath. The spices probably were bought shortly after sunset on Saturday when the shops reopened briefly after the conclusion of the Sabbath. It was too late, however, to go to the tomb then. The great devotion of the women is seen in two particulars: the expensiveness of the spices and their desire to anoint a body that had been dead for a day and a half. But love for Christ drives these ladies to care for Him properly.

Appeal: Today‘s offering is for the Women‘s Ministries work of the North American Division. Our text shows the great devotion of women to Christ. As we give today let us remember how the church benefits from the service and devotion that our ladies make to the work and ministries of the church.