Kevin Siddle
The Sabbath has ended. The women who followed Jesus are eager to bring the spices they have prepared to show love and respect to him. These women had followed Joseph to the tomb, so they knew where his body had been laid. Very early on Sunday morning, they went to the tomb, and to their shock, the tomb was empty! The initial response of the women was not elation for a risen savior, but instead worry and grief as they thought Jesus’ body had been taken away. Luke 24:8-9 “Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest.” They remembered. The prophecies, the foretelling, the many teachings. Suddenly, everything came together. JESUS HAD RISEN. It had all occurred just as Jesus had said it would. He had now been raised on the third day, just as he tried to tell them. The angel tells the women to go tell the eleven disciples (minus Judas) and his followers. This news was too good to be kept to themselves. They had been given a command and they obeyed. And when they reach the eleven disciples, they are met with skepticism. “The story sounded like nonsense, so they didn’t believe it.” Luke 24:11 It sounded like nonsense to everyone but Peter and John. They ran to the tomb. They had to know for themselves what had happened. In the remaining chapters of Luke, we see a resurrected Jesus! He teaches, rebukes, encourages, and commands his followers just as he did before his crucifixion. As we all celebrate Easter I pray that you would run to Jesus just as John and Peter had. I pray that you would be reminded of the promises that Jesus offers and that he offers life eternal. We all have the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as the Lord of our lives. To receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and to be sent out as his followers. If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can do so by saying this prayer. Jesus, thank you that you love me. And, I love you too. Jesus, forgive me for my sins. And help me forgive myself. Jesus, come into my life. Make me fresh and new. Make me into everything you have created me to be. In the strong name of Jesus. Amen. The painting pictured is titled Ascension by John Singleton Copley.
*Adapted from the Life Application Bible Commentary of Luke