Luke 24:1–12 - 1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 And 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 perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; 5 and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? 6 “He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, 7 saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” 8 And they remembered His words, 9 and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. 11 But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened. What does today’s passage say? In today's passage, some female followers of Jesus brought burial spices to His tomb early Sunday, expecting to embalm His body (v. 1). Upon arrival, they found the stone rolled away and Jesus missing (v. 2). Confused, they entered the tomb and saw two men in radiant robes who asked why they sought the living One among the dead (vv. 3-5). The men remind them of Jesus' teaching that He would die and resurrect on the third day (vv. 6-7). Remembering Jesus' words, the women hurried to report their experience to the eleven disciples and other followers (vv. 8-9). The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary mother of James and others (v. 10). However, while most of the disciples did not believe the women's testimony, Peter went to the tomb, saw that it was empty, and was left amazed (vv. 11-12). How can I apply Luke 24:1-12 to my life? The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the most world-changing event in history. His defeat of death supplies unshakable hope to all who trust in His salvation. Without the resurrection, the promises of Christianity and our faith dissolve into wishful thinking. This pivotal moment propelled a trembling group of followers into courageous witnesses who turned the world upside down. They touched lives, toppled idols, and shook empires by the power of their risen Lord. Though we have not seen Jesus face to face, His resurrection life remains available to transform our existence today through faith in Him. By applying key lessons from the early disciples’ encounter with the risen Christ, we gain insight for walking victoriously no matter what difficulties we face. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
Jesus has Conquered Death and Now Sits at the Right Hand of the Father (vv. 1-6a): When the women visited Jesus' tomb, they found an empty grave and were told Jesus had risen from the dead. Jesus conquered the power of the grave and is alive forevermore, enthroned in glory at the Father's side. Even when Jesus' death appeared hopeless, in the end sin and death did not have the final word over Him or His purposes. Though you may walk through valleys shadowed with the fear of death, you need not lose hope or surrender to defeat. Jesus' triumph over the grave and His eternal life assure that goodness, redemption and restoration will prevail. Take confidence today knowing Jesus has authority over sin, Hell, and death. Fix your eyes on the power of Christ that has swallowed up mortality with endless life and now reigns victorious. The resurrection means Jesus has opened the door for us to abundant, irreversible life both now and for eternity. His resurrection life sets you free from the tyranny of sin and fear that attempt to rule through condemnation and manipulation (1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Romans 6:8-11, Revelation 1:17-18).
Food for Thought: What difference does meditating on Christ's victory over death and eternal reign make when you face valleys of sorrow, loss or uncertainty? How does Jesus' resurrection power set you free personally from sin's tyranny and fear's manipulation day to day?
Trust the Words of Jesus (vv. 6b-8): When Jesus told His disciples He would rise again after being killed, they did not comprehend or believe His words initially. Often, we also can be slow to grasp the implications of Jesus' words. The resurrection is central to the work Christ accomplished. As Jesus said, everything written of Him had to be fulfilled. His prophetic words have proven trustworthy time and again. While we may not always fully understand, we can anchor our hope and lives in the absolute reliability of all Jesus promised. Build your life each day on the rock-solid words of Christ over shifting pleasures or priorities. What Jesus says and promises will never fail, falter, or disappoint those who put their full confidence in Him. His words light an unshakeable pathway through uncertainty, trouble, or chaos when you cling to them (Numbers 23:19, Mark 13:31, Titus 1:2).
Food for Thought: What difference would it make if you trusted and obeyed the words of Jesus first and understood the implications later? When has clinging to the promises of Christ guided you unshakably through uncertainty, trouble or chaos?
Tell People of the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Even if They Don’t Believe You (vv. 9-11): Even while the disciples doubted their account, the women obediently reported all they had seen and heard to the others. Sharing Christ is rooted in our response to His commands rather than others' responses to our message. The good news of salvation in Jesus is meant to be declared and offered widely, regardless of anticipated belief or reception. As we tell others about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit works to draw people to salvation. Do not let fear over how your message may be received prevent you from sharing with boldness the gospel by which people can be saved. It is not your responsibility to convince anyone but only to inform them. The seeds you scatter may later take root in the hearts God has prepared (Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 6:19-20).
Food for Thought: What fears or assumptions about how people may respond sometimes hold you back from sharing freely about Jesus? Why is it vital we leave results from sharing the gospel up to God rather than demanding certain responses?
Marvel at the Empty Tomb (vv. 12): After hearing the women's amazing testimony, Peter ran straight to Jesus' tomb and saw the strips of linen lying there alone. Few events in history elicit such wonder and awe as the empty tomb. Its vacancy testifies that Christ's substitutionary sacrifice was accepted. Its silence proclaims that death's sting and sin's grip over humanity has forever lost its power because of Jesus' victory. The vacant grave of Christ signals the dawning liberation of everlasting life and our redeemed future. Whenever doubt, hardship or suffering tempt you to question God's saving grace, turn your eyes back to behold the wonder of the empty tomb. Remember its powerful revelation that Christ is risen indeed, and through Him we too will live. Allow the awesome mystery of the empty tomb to revive awe and gratitude for the extravagant rescue Jesus has purchased for you (Luke 24:51-53, John 20:30-31, Romans 6:5-11).
Food for Thought: How might regularly reflecting on the awesome mystery of Jesus' empty tomb change your perspective when life feels bleak or hopeless? What renewal, inspiration or transformation might God want to bring you today through meditating on the vacant tomb? The resurrection reshaped history. It also revamps our personal narratives with irrepressible hope and empowering divine life here and now. Though battles remain while we await ultimate restoration, we can walk confidently in resurrection authority already given us positionally in Christ. As we apply the lessons from those first stunned witnesses, we gain perspective for moving forward in expectancy of fresh revelation, clinging to the words of Jesus above our limitations, scattering the seed of the gospel with abandon, and anchoring awe solidly in the mystery of the vacant tomb. May resurrection life breathe afresh through you today! Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You would help me apply the power of Christ's resurrection to my life. Empower me to walk in the authority Jesus gained by conquering sin and death. Anchor my thoughts in Your word and Christ's faithfulness rather than reacting to circumstances. Give me boldness to proclaim the gospel, leaving results to You. Revive childlike awe, wonder, and intimacy with You. Remind me often of the empty tomb - let its profound mystery give perspective to difficulty and hope against hopelessness. I want to live as one accepted, alive, free, confident, and transformed by grace. I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Luke 24:6a - “He is not here, but He has risen.” With His Blessings, Pastor Corby
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