After the arrest of Jesus, most of the disciples fled the scene. Perhaps they returned to the upper room where they last spent time with Jesus. I picture them sitting in anguished silence around the room. Perhaps a few women are there and other close followers. Judas has hung himself. Peter sits slumped in a corner mourning his denials. John is stunned by all he has experienced at the cross while he tries to comfort and take care of Mary as Jesus instructed him to do.

Perhaps the group was finally able to talk to each other, share their feelings, reminisce about things they did with Jesus, things he said. Maybe they even remember his words, “…turned over, flogged, and killed.” Somehow, they don’t seem to remember, “will rise again.” Perhaps by the next day, they eat a bit of bread and drink, but even that reminds them of those last hours with their master.

The women have been anxious to take spices to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, but they cannot do such work on the Sabbath, so on Sunday they hurry to the tomb in the early morning. When they get there, they see that the stone has been rolled away and the tomb is empty. Suddenly they see an angel and fall to their knees.

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he is risen just as he said. Matthew 27:5-6

Luke adds that the angel also said:

6 Remember how he told you while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered in the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again.’ 8 Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:6-8

At last, someone remembers what Jesus had told them. When they return to the disciples, they are breathless with the news: stone rolled away, empty tomb, angel appearance, risen.

11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed like nonsense. Luke 24:11

Oh my. What does it take to get through to these men? At least it is enough to bring a spark back into Peter. He and John run to the tomb. Sure enough it is empty just as the women said. Imagine that!

12 …Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away wondering to himself what had happened. Luke 24:12

Peter is till confused? Wait. There’s more news. Mary Magdelene comes in later and declares, “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18) That evening two followers come in to report that they have seen the Lord as well.

And then it happens. While these two are still talking, Jesus himself appears to them. Luke tells us that they were “startled and frightened thinking they saw a ghost..” (Luke 24:37) Jesus shows them his nail-pierced hands and feet, invites them to touch him, eats in front of them, anything to show them that he is real, not a ghost.

He reminds them that everything must be fulfilled that is written in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. (Luke 24:44)

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: ‘The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations…’ ” Luke 24:45-47

At long last, their minds are opened. Reality has set in. As John said,

20 They were overjoyed when they saw him. John 20:20

They believe he is real and has risen indeed!

May we all rejoice this Resurrection Sunday as we celebrate his triumph over the grave—hope for our own resurrection!

~ Joyce ~