Resurrection responses

Read > Luke 24:1-12

He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what He told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must … be crucified, and that He would rise again on the third day (v. 6-7).

An important date in British history is 18 June 1815. That’s when Wellington faced Napoleon at Waterloo. The future of the nation was at stake and the whole country waited nervously for news of the outcome. At long last, some signal ships came into view. Through a blanket of mist, the lookout was just able to discern the message before the fog rolled in: “Wellington defeated.” The worst had happened and the terrible news spread. When the fog lifted a few hours later, however, it became clear that the lookouts had been too hasty with their conclusions. The full message now came into view: “Wellington defeated Napoleon.”

As far as Jesus’ followers were concerned, the message of the cross was crystal clear: “Jesus defeated.” Jesus had declared Himself to be the great King of God’s kingdom. His miracles seemed to back up this claim, but now His death had done away with the whole idea. Certainly the resurrection was the furthest thing from the minds of the women when they went to the tomb. They carried spices because they were expecting to anoint Jesus’ dead body. Instead, they were confronted with the rolled-away stone (v. 2), the empty tomb (v. 3), the appearance of the angels (vv. 4-5), the question of rebuke (v. 5), and the glorious announcement (vv. 5-6).

It was the reminder of Jesus’ words that created faith in the women and cleared away the fog of unbelief. They rushed to share the full message with the others: “Jesus defeated death” (vv. 9-10).

The disciples, however, thought that the women were talking rubbish (v. 11). Even after checking it out for himself, Peter didn’t believe (v. 12). And so, Luke presents two contrasting responses to the resurrection. Like the disciples, we can scoff at the news or, as the women did, we can joyfully accept it. – Paul Baxendale

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·         John 20:24-29

·         Acts 17:32-34

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What is your response to the news that Jesus has risen? How has this view transformed your life?