Luke 24:1–12 CEB

1 Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 They didn’t know what to make of this. Suddenly, two men were standing beside them in gleaming bright clothing. 5 The women were frightened and bowed their faces toward the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He isn’t here, but has been raised. Remember what he told you while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Human One must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words. 9 When they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the eleven and all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. 11 Their words struck the apostles as nonsense, and they didn’t believe the women. 12 But Peter ran to the tomb. When he bent over to look inside, he saw only the linen cloth. Then he returned home, wondering what had happened.

Hope in the Nonsense: The Resurrection's Unbelievable Truth

When you hear the word Easter, what thought’s run through you mind? Why, unbelievable, wow, joy, puzzled, perplexed, terrified, nonsense?

Imagine a world in which the unthinkable becomes a reality and the inconceivable defies rationality. This is the realm that we enter when we investigate the resurrection—a idea so profound and revolutionary that it surpasses human comprehension. In a world governed by natural laws and scientific data, the resurrection serves as a light of hope, challenging our perceptions and assumptions.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the crowning event of the Christian faith. This chapter not only describes a historical event, but it also inspires us to explore the mystery and wonder of God's redemptive purpose.

Today we journey through the story of the empty tomb, the perplexed disciples, and the angelic pronouncement. In doing so, may we reveal the profound truth hidden beneath the surface of what appears to be "nonsense."

Luke 24:1 CEB

1 Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared.

Exploring the Nonsense

When we read about the life and ministry of Jesus we hear a lot about the disciples. I know that when I hear that word, disciple, I think about the 12 men who were in Jesus inner circle.

In the broad sense there were more than 12. At one time we hear about the 72 that Jesus sent out. We read also about the women, and here in the first verse about the resurrection we read that “the women went to the tomb.”

It's amazing that the first people to know about Jesus' resurrection were women, especially back then when women weren't treated equally. These devoted women went to the tomb to prepare Jesus' body, feeling sad and accepting that He had died. They had gone through the sadness of Good Friday and were still grieving on Saturday, and then early Sunday morning when they went to the tomb, not expecting anything to change. They didn’t have any hope, they were doing the final thing when a person had died.

I think their feelings were a lot like the following story.

Once, in a town suffering from a severe drought that was destroying crops, the local preacher decided to gather people for a prayer meeting to pray for rain. He invited all those who believed in God's power to join him at four o'clock in the church.

At the appointed time, the church was nearly full. However, when the preacher looked around, he noticed something missing. He said, "I'm sorry, but we can't hold this prayer meeting. I don't see a single umbrella here."

The women were entering that cemetery with no hope, no expectations other than performing that final act of embalming Jesus’ body.

They had witnessed a few resurrections when Jesus raised some people back from the dead.

Jairus' Daughter: In Mark 5:35–43, Jesus raises Jairus' daughter, who had died, back to life. He takes her by the hand and tells her to arise, and she immediately gets up and walks.

The Widow's Son at Nain: In Luke 7:11–17, Jesus encounters a funeral procession for the only son of a widow in the town of Nain. He has compassion on her and raises her son from the dead, giving him back to his mother.

Lazarus: One of the most famous instances of Jesus raising the dead is the story of Lazarus in John 11:1–44. Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, had been dead for four days when Jesus arrived. Despite objections from Martha, Lazarus' sister, Jesus commands him to come out of the tomb, and Lazarus is resurrected and comes out alive.

But now Jesus was the one who was dead. There was no one to bring him back to life. It was nonsense to consider resurrection in his case.

After setting the scene with the women carrying spices to the tomb early in the morning on the first day of the week, we now go on to the key moment when they find the unexpected and life-altering truth.

Luke 24:3–4 NKJV

3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.

The Reality of Hope

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is vital in the Christian faith because it represents the ultimate victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life. Verses 2-4 of the chapter demonstrate the transformational power of the resurrection and its significant impact on the disciples and believers.

The women had approached the cemetery with the thought of how they were going to move the stone away from the entrance of the tomb.

The women find the stone rolled away from the tomb, revealing an empty grave. This moment marks the beginning of a profound shift in their understanding of Jesus' teachings and promises.

Jesus had told the disciples a number of times that he would lay his life down and that he would be raised from the dead. They didn’t get it then.

The sight of the empty tomb inspires hope rather than despair, as they recognize that something extraordinary happened.

As the women bravely entered the tomb, they were greeted by angels with a powerful message of hope. The angels asked, "Why are you searching for the living among the dead?" Jesus isn't here; he's risen from the dead." This phrase is at the center of Christianity: the affirmation in Jesus' resurrection. It shows that Jesus is not confined in death; rather, he has overcome it, giving everyone who believes in him the promise of eternal life.

This word from the angels is like a beacon of light in the darkness, demonstrating that death is not the end, but rather a gateway to new life for those who follow Christ. It's a message that has echoed throughout history, reminding us that Jesus' victory over death is the cornerstone of our faith and the source of our hope for the future.

Luke writes in verse 4 that they were greatly perplexed. I think that is an understatement.

The women are overcome with amazement and wonder at this realization. Their initial uncertainty and dread give way to a newfound feeling of hope and belief. The resurrection of Jesus converts their sadness into joy, their doubt into assurance, and their fear into bravery. It's a moment that changes their perception of who Jesus is and what he came to do.

The resurrection is intricately linked to the core message of Christianity, which centers on redemption, salvation, and the restoration of humanity's relationship with God. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness of sins and the promise of new life to all who believe in him.

The resurrection is not just a historical event but a living reality that continues to impact believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, love, and power to overcome even the greatest obstacles. As Christians, we are called to live in the hope and assurance of the resurrection, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ.

The reality of hope found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is transformative and foundational to the Christian faith. It offers us the assurance of eternal life, the promise of redemption, and the strength to face life's challenges with unwavering faith and courage.

Luke 24:11 NKJV

11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them.

Luke 24:11 CEB

11 Their words struck the apostles as nonsense, and they didn’t believe the women.

The women hurried to share the incredible news they discovered at the empty tomb with the disciples. Their hearts filled with excitement and urgency as they carried the message of Jesus' resurrection to those closest to him.

However, when the women shared their story with the disciples, they faced disbelief and skepticism. The disciples struggled to accept the women's words because to them, the idea of Jesus rising from the dead seemed impossible and unbelievable. They couldn't grasp the magnitude of what the women were telling them, and their initial reaction was one of doubt and confusion. To them the idea that there was a resurrection was idle tales or nonsense.

In today's society, some people view the concept of resurrection with suspicion or dismiss it entirely as foolishness. One explanation for this doubt is the perceived disconnect between Christians' beliefs about the resurrection and how they live their lives. When people see professing Christians whose acts and lives contradict Jesus' teachings, they may begin to question the credibility of their faith and the relevance of the resurrection.

Many skeptics or outsiders find it difficult to reconcile what Christians say about the transformational power of the resurrection with the absence of obvious change or authenticity in their lives. When those who profess to follow Jesus engage in behaviors that contradict the ideals of love, compassion, and integrity that he preached and advocated, it undermines the credibility of their message and causes others to question the authenticity of their beliefs.

The frequency of dishonesty or inconsistency among some Christians can add to the notion that the resurrection is purely a religious concept with no real-world implications. When people observe Christians who claim to believe in the resurrection but do not demonstrate its life-changing implications in their actions, it can perpetuate the notion that the resurrection is irrelevant or absurd in today's society. As a result, resolving this disparity and aiming for real Christian living is critical in closing the gap between believing in the resurrection and its practical consequences in everyday life.

Despite the concerns and disparities surrounding the resurrection in today's society, there is a deep hope that transcends these uncertainty. While some Christians' dishonesty or inconsistency may put doubt on the resurrection's relevancy, it is critical to understand that the message of hope buried within it is ageless. Regardless of the skepticism or dismissiveness that may arise, hope in the nonsense of the resurrection lives on as a beacon of light in a world frequently darkened with uncertainty and misunderstanding. It encourages us to look past the flaws in human behavior and instead focus on God's transformational power and promises, as seen by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In essence, the difficulties caused by contradictions among Christians do not decrease the hope contained in the resurrection story. Rather, they emphasize the significance of fully accepting this hope and carrying out its life-changing implications in our daily lives.

Luke 24:12 NKJV

12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

Our Hope in the Nonsense

"Our Hope in the Nonsense" considers the resurrection's significant impact on our daily lives and circumstances, providing a source of hope and encouragement even in the face of uncertainty. The resurrection is more than just a historical event; it is a living reality with potential to profoundly influence how we tackle life's challenges. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity there remains hope beyond what appears impossible or illogical. Just as Jesus overcame death, we are reminded that God has the ability to bring about transformation and renewal in our own lives. When we face problems, doubts, or uncertainties, the story of the resurrection inspires us to believe and trust God's promises. It assures us that, even when things appear dark or hopeless, God is working behind the scenes to bring about new beginnings and possibilities for progress. Ultimately, "Our Hope in the Nonsense" encourages us to accept the hope and confidence that the resurrection provides, anchoring our faith in God's unchanging promises during life's ups and downs. It calls us to live with confidence and faith in God's sovereignty, knowing that the resurrection is more than just a historical event; it is a constant source of hope and renewal in our everyday lives.

Hope in the Nonsense: The Resurrection's Unbelievable Truth

The resurrection's "nonsense" refers to the seemingly illogical or unbelievable nature of Jesus rising from the dead. However, within this paradox lies a profound truth that transcends human understanding. The resurrection signifies victory over death, the promise of new life, and the assurance of eternal hope for all who believe. It challenges us to look beyond what seems impossible and to trust in the transformative power of God's love and grace.

Despite the doubts and skepticism that may surround the resurrection, we are called to embrace the hope it offers. This hope is not based on human reasoning or empirical evidence but on the faithfulness and power of God. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there is a hope that anchors our souls and gives us strength to persevere.

As we reflect on the profound message of hope in the resurrection's "nonsense," we are reminded of the timeless truth that Easter represents. It is a truth that transcends the limitations of human understanding and challenges us to embrace a hope that defies logic and reason. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event but a living reality that speaks to the transformative power of God's love and grace.

I urge you to embrace the hope and truth of Easter with open hearts and minds. Let us not be swayed by doubts or skepticism but instead anchor our faith in the promise of new life and eternal hope that the resurrection brings. May this Easter be a time of renewal and restoration, where we embrace the hope of Christ's victory over death and live out the message of love, forgiveness, and redemption in our lives.

As we journey forward, may the hope of Easter inspire us to walk in faith, to love one another deeply, and to live with purpose and joy. Let us proclaim with confidence and conviction that Christ is risen, and in His resurrection, we find the ultimate hope for our souls. Amen.

As we celebrate the hope and truth of Easter, let us now turn our attention to a sacred and symbolic rite that represents the essence of our faith: the Lord's Supper. This sacred communion reminds us of Christ's sacrificial love, victory over death, and the promise of eternal life through him. Let us partake in this sacred sacrament with appreciation and reverence, commemorating the hope and redemption that Easter brings into our lives.