Scripture: Luke 24:1-12 (NIV)
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.
2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.
5 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?
6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:
7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”
8 Then they remembered his words.
9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.
10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.
11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.
12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Devotion:
The passage from Luke 24:1-12 recounts the awe-inspiring events of that first Easter morning when the women discovered the empty tomb. Their encounter with the risen Christ not only transformed their lives but also serves as a powerful testimony to the fulfillment of God’s promise of resurrection.
1. The Journey to the Tomb: In the dim light of dawn, the faithful women made their way to the tomb, carrying spices to anoint the body of Jesus. Little did they know that they were about to witness the greatest miracle in human history. Their journey to the tomb symbolizes their unwavering love and devotion to Jesus, even in the face of despair and uncertainty.
2. The Empty Tomb: Upon arriving at the tomb, the women were greeted by an astonishing sight—the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. The absence of Jesus’ body puzzled them, but it also ignited a glimmer of hope. The empty tomb serves as a tangible reminder that death could not hold the Son of God captive, for He had risen victorious over the grave.
3. The Angelic Message: As the women stood bewildered, two men in dazzling apparel appeared before them, delivering the earth-shattering proclamation: “He is not here; he has risen!” These words echoed the promises Jesus had spoken during His earthly ministry, affirming His identity as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Scripture.
4. Remembering His Words: In the presence of the angelic messengers, the women recalled Jesus’ teachings regarding His death and resurrection. Their remembrance fueled their faith and understanding, illuminating the significance of the empty tomb as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
5. Sharing the Good News: Filled with awe and excitement, the women hastened to share the miraculous news of Jesus’ resurrection with the disciples. Despite initial skepticism and disbelief, their testimony laid the foundation for the proclamation of the gospel and the spread of Easter hope to all nations.
As we reflect on the events of that first Easter morning, may we be inspired by the faithfulness and courage of the women who encountered the risen Christ. May we embrace the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and its transformative power in our lives, proclaiming with boldness and conviction: “He is risen, indeed!” Amen.
