Scripture: Luke 24:1-12; 1 Corinthians15:19-26
Holy Week is an important time for Christians, for
many reasons. We celebrate a variety of
events, with each containing unique emotional attachments, the sum total being
concluded with the unexpected gift that we know as Easter.
For the people of that day, the emotional strain that occurred on each and every day of the preceding week was varied, depending upon the level of their involvement and their personal expectations surrounding each and every event. Whether you were a legalist who was committed totally to the law of Israel, or a follower of Jesus Christ, some of whom had been touched after listening to His teaching, or others who had been healed through His words and presence, or even for those within the Roman occupying forces and administration whose sole responsibility was to maintain control throughout the region.
From the day of Jesus’ grand entry into the City of Jerusalem when many cheered and honored His arrival, things would grow steadily worse, from the Jewish celebration of Passover; through the last few opportunities that Christ had to teach about God’s love and grace; to the arrest and contrived trial that was based solely on false accusations and charges; in the sentence of death that came from the Romans, even though the Governor had come to the conclusion that Jesus had done nothing to justify crucifixion; and finally in the horrific beating, the humiliating walk while having to carry His own Cross, and finally in the excruciating means of execution.
There were some who rejoiced that this thorn in the side of Jewish authority had finally been done away with (or so they thought!), but there was far more agony and heartbreak burdening the hearts of those who loved Jesus the best. Then came Sunday morning, with its unbelievable discovery that the tomb where Jesus had been laid was empty There were countless mistaken explanations of what had happened to the Body, but none would even come close to what the reality was! No one would know the truth of what had actually happened, until a woman was approached by the Risen Christ, who revealed not only the truth of the Day, but the hope that surrounded the life’s gift that was given to all through faith in the living Son of God.
Read Luke 24:1-12
It was certainly a confusing and unbelievable day, this third day of death, which had, surprisingly, turned into one of resurrected life! The women who had come to complete the burial process discovered instead, the opened and empty tomb, with only two unexpected and indescribable “men” waiting for them with a message that didn’t make much sense whatsoever! Living!? Risen!? It was only then that they began to remember the stories they had heard about Lazarus and how Jesus had brought him back to life, but this was totally different – after all, Jesus was dead, so how could He possibly bring Himself back to life?
Those men, who we know were actually heavenly beings, would be offering the words that reminded the women of all that Jesus had been preparing for this day. But they were still amazed to discover that the prophecy had now come to fruition!
And when we read of the women who carried this message back to the disciples, we read of a name that is not all that familiar to us – Joanna. As far as I know, she is only mentioned one other time in scripture – in Luke 8:1-3. It appears that she was married to the manager of Herod’s own household, and not only was she a follower of Jesus, but there were other women who were all supporters and providers for Jesus and His disciples as they carried the word and promise of God throughout the nation.
And when the women returned to the Upper Room to let the men know of their glorious discovery, the men also had difficulty in comprehending all that they were hearing! Even Peter, who ran to see for himself, needed more time to let this truth settle into his heart and soul. Peter always was the one who didn’t seem to get Jesus’ words until he had some time to think about it!
But is this struggle with understanding so unexpected? After all, how would we react if it had been us who were experiencing these strange happenings on that Sunday morning? How many folks do we know who continue even today to deny and question all that scripture reveals, simply because it just doesn’t make any sense to them?
In the verses that lead into this passage, Paul addresses an apparent concern that some in the Corinthian church may be questioning the truth behind “resurrection of the dead”. He tells the church that if this is questionable, then how can we even begin to believe that Jesus was resurrected from the dead! And if Jesus’s body is still laying dead in some unknown place on Earth, then our faith is meaningless, and we will never be freed from our condemnation in the sinful lives that we have always lived.
As Paul continues, he makes the point that the resurrection that Jesus experienced was truly a physical one, and not only a spiritual event. And since it was a human body that was risen into new life, we, too, are being promised that resurrection of the dead is available to all who will follow Jesus in life, through death, and into a resurrected and eternal life with the Lord. But the point that Paul makes is that while a resurrected life is available to all, it will only be those who welcome Jesus Christ into their lives who will know the new life that awaits them.
And there will be sorting, a Judgment, between those who have never come to Jesus in faith, and those who have given their life to the Lord by faith and love and trust in Him, and in Him alone. For it will only be members of the Family of God who will be able to follow Jesus into glory, while all others will be left wondering as to what just happened!
If you have yet to give your life to Christ, or wish to recommit your life to Jesus, won’t you pray the words that follow:
Lord, I’m a sinner, condemned by the life I have chosen. I freely confess that my only hope of salvation lies solely in You, Lord, I seek your forgiveness and Your Spirit’s leading, that I might live life anew in You. Help me to believe and trust in You and Your ways, that my life will become a reflection of Your love, Your word, Your way, and Your truth. Lead me, Lord, into Your life eternal. I pray all things in the precious Name of Jesus. Amen.
