Luke 24:1-12
Several women followed to the tomb of Jesus, and they watched how the body of Jesus was laid. As they returned home they bought spices and ointment and prepared them, as this was a custom to put about the body of a loved one. The next day was the Sabbath, when none were to work or travel (Ex. 16:29), but they came early the morning after.
The great stone had been rolled from the entrance, and they went inside, but the body of Jesus was not there. They were greatly troubled where it could be.
Suddenly two angels in shining garments were beside them, who said, “Why seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.”
The angels reminded them that Jesus had told them He would rise the third day, and they said for them to go, tell His disciples. The women went and told them, but the men did not believe them, though two ran to the tomb and found it empty (John 20:3-8).
Soon the Lord Himself appeared to those women and talked to them (Matt. 28:9, 10). Later all those who loved Him had sure proof that He was alive, for He came to them and talked to them.
Notice that it was on the first day of the week that the Lord Jesus arose, as given also in Matt. 28:1; Mk. 16:1, 2; Jo. 20:1. People then did not name the days of the week, but numbered them, 1St, 2nd, etc., except the 7th day was named Sabbath (rest). The day before was called “the preparation day” (Lu. 23:54); that was the day Jesus was crucified and laid in the tomb. So He was there on the Sabbath.
The next day began a new week; that morning they found He had risen. That was why afterward those who loved Him met on the first day of the week to honor Him, and it was called “the Lord’s day”. (See Acts 20:7; Rev. 1:10).
Although the disciples were slow to believe that morning that Jesus was risen, afterward they spoke much of that wonderful event. Peter said that God raised Him “because it was not possible” He should be held by death: that He was “the Prince of life”. He said David meant Christ when he wrote, “Thou will not suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption (decay)” (Acts 2:24-28; 3:15; Ps. 16:10, 11).
He had come to earth to bear while on the cross, the punishment of sin deserved from God; that He was raised out of death, is proof His work was accomplished.
God now offers to justify, or count righteous, everyone who trusts in the work of His Son. That is why the message, “He is risen”, is as blessed for us, as for those people who trusted Him then (Romans 4:25).
“Christ being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion (rule or power) over Him.” Romans 6:9.
Next we read of the appearings of the Lord to those who loved Him.
ML 03/24/1946