By Rev. Gene Brunow

The gospel for Easter Sunday is Luke 24:1-12. This is Luke’s version of the Resurrection of Jesus.

Sunday began by Jewish time at sundown on Saturday. Spices could then be bought, and they were ready to set out early the next day.

When the women started out, it was dark, and by the time they arrived at the tomb, it was still early dawn.

They are coming to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body because they think Jesus is dead. This is the attitude of those who are still living in the old covenant: They have confidence in the resurrection on the Last Day, as Martha says in John 11:24, but they certainly do not expect resurrection now. So, the women are perplexed when they find that the tomb is empty. The stone has been rolled away, but upon entering they did not find the body of Jesus. Luke uses the word “find” in an ironic way to emphasize the emptiness of the tomb. Luke leaves absolutely no doubt that the resurrection is historical fact.

As angels announced Jesus’ birth, they also announce His resurrection. Gleamed like lightning is a similar phrase that is used for Jesus’ clothing at His transfiguration, reflecting God’s splendor.

The living is translated “the living one” because of the article. This is not just any living being, but “the living one,” who is the source of life. Luke emphasizes that the resurrected Christ is alive and is the one who gives life.

When the angels say remember how He told you, they remind the women who were from Galilee that Jesus had predicted His death and resurrection on a number of occasions, but the disciples failed to comprehend or accept what He was saying.

When women tell the disciples, it says that the disciples did not believe. In the Greek it translates as “they were not believing,” which indicates ongoing disbelief of the report despite the fact that the women continued to speak.

Just like the disciples, we can get set in some preconceived notions and miss the point. We are bombarded with anti-Christ information and it seems to go on like a constant drumbeat. We may have celebrated decades of Easter Sundays, and it may even take away the thrill of this special day. But, we can be thankful that each year we are privileged to hear the great news that Jesus has power, even over death. We have a living Savior who helps us celebrate each day as Easter.

This month’s study text:

The Resurrection

24 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

Luke 24:1-12 (ESV)

Reflection Questions:

The angels say to the women “remember how he told you.” We need to be reminded of God’s promises. What are some promises of God you need to be reminded of right now? What are you struggling with that God could speak to?

The women didn’t find Jesus’ body in the tomb. We could say that they were surprised by the way in which Jesus kept His promise of resurrection. Think of a time that you’ve been surprised by the way in which God had answered one of your prayer requests. What did that situation teach you about God and the way He can work?

We know that the Holy Spirit works through the Bible to strengthen our faith. When you have a hard time believing as did the disciples, what are some regular practices you can build into your day to return to God’s Word?

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for rising again on the third day just as your divine plan called for. Help me to never let the greatness of each Easter ever become mundane. Amen.

Rev. Brunow is a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. Find more of his devotionals at genesbrunotes.com.