The Truth Of The Resurrection

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered his words.  Luke 24:5-8

As Sunday approaches, our hearts and minds are drawn to celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. What a shock it must have been for the women who first visited the tomb early on that morning! To be told by angels that Jesus was no longer buried there, but instead had risen from the dead.

It was interesting to read the four accounts (Mt 28:1-10; Mk 16:1-8; Lk 24:1-12 & Jn 20: 1-18) about what took place on the third day. The women did not find Jesus in the tomb. But after their encounter with the angels and with Jesus himself, when they tried to pass along the "good news," they were met with unbelief from the disciples. Their words were even considered nonsense!

I wonder how those ladies felt when their testimony about the resurrection of Jesus was not taken seriously. The disciples missed out by not believing what they had heard. Jesus finally appeared to them and opened their eyes to the truth of the Scriptures.

This story is an excellent reminder not only of Christ's death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins, but also how we need to consistently keep our focus on Him. Although Jesus had shared many times with the disciples what was going to happen to Him and His purpose for coming, they still were not paying attention to the truth of the resurrection.

As we celebrate Easter this week, may it be a solemn reminder of not only what Jesus did for us, but also how we need to keep our eyes on Him. Jesus will give us the strength we need to continue to serve Him and others He leads across our paths.