Luke 24:1-12
There were certain women disciples of Jesus of whom He had healed of evil spirits and sicknesses and cast out demons, and there were many others who provided for Him from their possessions (8:2-3). They came with Jesus from Galilee; they witnessed His crucifixion (23:44-49) and burial (23:50-55). They went back home, prepared spices and ointments for His body, and observed the Sabbath day as commanded.
Luke 24 verses 1-8 show the faithfulness of these women even though they were perplexed because they did not find the Lord Jesus’ body. They, and certain other women, came to the sepulcher the first day of the week, very early in the morning, bringing spices which they had prepared to finish the anointing of the Lord Jesus’ body. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; they went in, and found it empty. While they were pondering about the situation, they received an angelic testimony of Jesus’ resurrection. The angels asked them, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead” (v.5)? “He is not here, but is risen (v.6)!” They were challenged to recall that when He was still in Galilee, the Lord Jesus had prophesied to them that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day rise from death to life. How wonderful it is to remember the Master’s words in the time of uncertainty!
Recalling His words (v.8), these faithful women: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary, the mother of James, and the other women with them, left the tomb and delivered the resurrection message. It was to the apostles. How did the apostles respond? The women’s words seemed like idle tales to the apostles. “The Gr. leros, means silly nonsense.” It’s a medical term for delirium and used only here in this context. They did not believe the women. They thought them to be delirious. Peter, however, heard the message. He arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened (v.12). Today is a great day for you to believe the resurrection message – Jesus is alive!