The Angels' Question

Why do you seek the living among the dead? It was early that first day of the week, a Sunday morning just like today. Luke tells us that it was early dawn. A handful of women were heading to Jesus’ tomb because they had a job to do. The last time they had been at the tomb, there was no time to do what needed to be done. Jesus’ corpse had quickly been taken down off the cross and placed into a tomb nearby, maybe 100 feet away. But they couldn’t do anything for it then, because the Sabbath was fast approaching, the day of rest. But now that day was over, and it was time to prepare Jesus’ body for its final rest.

But when they get to the tomb, they’re confused. Just a few days ago, a large stone was rolled in front of the entrance to make sure no one messed with the remains, but the stone is gone. Just a few days ago, a body laid in the tomb, but it wasn’t there. Just a few days ago, nothing living was in that cave, but now, two angels are standing there, speaking to these women. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen."

Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

Alleluia! Christ is risen! [He is risen indeed! Alleluia!]

Why were they there?

Why were the women at the tomb at all? Time after time in His ministry, Jesus told people that He was going to die and rise again on the third day. Three times in Luke’s gospel, Jesus explicitly tells His disciples what’s to come. That number more than doubles when you count the times Jesus references His coming death and resurrection without explicitly spelling it all out for them. They should have known better! Jesus told them He was going to rise from the dead, so why in the world are they looking for Jesus among the dead?

“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you…”

Their Problem and our Problem

Their problem is our problem too. Rather than remembering and believing Jesus’ words, they forgot them and went on going about business as usual. When someone dies they stay dead. That’s how it works. Jesus died, so He’s going to stay dead. That’s how it works. Because they didn’t remember Jesus’ words, they looked for the living among the dead. Their problem is our problem too. We forget far too often. We believe our experiences more than Jesus’ words. We’re pulled into a world of chaos and infighting and polarizing opposites, and we’re told that’s all there is. One end of the spectrum or the other; that’s it. Don’t question the system, just pick a side and fight. And before you know it, we’ve forgotten the words of Jesus and we’re looking for the living among the dead.

Politics

It was early that first day of the week, a Sunday morning just like today. Luke tells us that it was early dawn. A handful of women were heading to Jesus’ tomb because they had a job to do. The last time they had been there, there was no time to do what needed to be done. Jesus’ corpse had quickly been taken down off the cross and placed into a tomb nearby, maybe 100 feet away. But they couldn’t do anything for it then, because the Sabbath was fast approaching, the day of rest. But now that day was over, and it was time to prepare Jesus’ body for its final rest.

It’s how our political system works. For all practical purposes, you’re told you only have two choices: republican or democrat. Republicans say that they’re the party of Jesus because they have the right stance on gay marriage and abortion and a whole host of moral issues. Democrats say that they’re the party of Jesus because they have the right stance on immigration and war and human care and a whole host of moral issues. And before you know it, you’re looking for Jesus among one party or another, thinking that’s all there is. Surely, Jesus is either democrat or republican. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!”

But when they get to the tomb, they got a shock. Just a few days ago, a large stone was rolled in front of the entrance to make sure no one messed with the remains, but the stone was gone. Just a few days ago, a body laid in the tomb, but it wasn’t there now. Just a few days ago, nothing living was in that cave, but now, two angels stood there, speaking to these women. “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”

Culture

That’s actually a really good question. Why were the women at the tomb at all? Time after time in His ministry, Jesus told people that He was going to die and rise again on the third day. Three times in Luke’s gospel, Jesus explicitly tells His disciples what’s to come. “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” That number doubles when you count the times Jesus simply references His coming death and resurrection without explicitly spelling it all out for them. They should have known better! Jesus told them He was going to rise from the dead, so why in the world are they looking for Jesus among the dead?

It’s how our culture works. How you relate to different people-groups puts your into either one camp or another, and each one will tell you they’re the right kind of group to be in! One camp says they’re Christian because they care about the marginalized and outcast, just like Jesus did. The other camp says that they’re Christian because they care about living a moral life, just like Jesus did. And before you know it, you’re looking for Jesus in one camp or another, thinking that’s all there is. Surely, He’s either liberal or conservative. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!”

Their problem is our problem too. Rather than remembering and believing Jesus’ words, they forgot them and went about business as usual. “When someone dies they stay dead. That’s how it works. Jesus died, so He’s going to stay dead. That’s how it works.” Because they didn’t remember Jesus’ words, they looked for the living among the dead. Their problem is our problem too. We forget far too often. We believe our experiences more than Jesus’ words. We’re pulled into a world of chaos and infighting and polarizing opposites, and we’re told that’s just how it works. One end of the spectrum or the other; that’s all there is. Don’t question the system, just pick a side and fight; that’s it. And before you know it, we’ve forgotten the words of Jesus and we’re looking for the living among the dead.

Theology

It’s how most of what passes for theology works too. You’re either a skeptic or a fundamentalist. The skeptics say they’re right because they say there are too many unanswered questions. The Bible doesn’t answer the questions they’re asking in the way that they want, so it can’t be all true. The fundamentalists say they’re right because the Bible says they’re right. And the Bible’s right because the Bible says its right. And you can trust the Bible because it’s right. And before you know it, you’re looking for Jesus in one group or the other, thinking that’s all there is. Surely, He’s one or the other. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!”

It’s how our political system works. For all practical purposes, you’re told you only have two choices: republican or democrat. Republicans say that they’re the party of Jesus because they have the right stance on gay marriage and abortion and a whole host of moral issues. Democrats say that they’re the party of Jesus because they have the right stance on immigration and war and human care and a whole host of moral issues. And before you know it, you’re looking for Jesus among one political party or another, thinking that’s all there is. Surely, Jesus is either democrat or republican. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!”

Turning- “Remember...” “And they remembered”

The angels’ question shows our problem. We forget Jesus’ words and live in the polarity of this world. But what those angels say next solves the problem for the women at the tomb and for us as well. “Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” “Remember how He told you.” Remember the words of Jesus. And Luke records, “They remembered His words.” Remembering Jesus’ words made all the difference for these women. They went from confused and perplexed to excited and ready to share the Good News. It’s like waking up from a dream and wondering why you ever cared that the squirrel family really didn’t like the tacos they got for Christmas, not that I speak from personal experience on that one… Remember Christ’s words! Wake up from the reality this world is trying to convince you of. Remember.

Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

Politics

It’s how our culture works. How you relate to different people-groups puts your into either one camp or another, and each one will tell you they’re the right kind of group to be in! One camp says they’re Christian because they care about the marginalized and outcast, just like Jesus did. The other camp says that they’re Christian because they care about living a moral life, just like Jesus did. And before you know it, you’re looking for Jesus in one camp or another, thinking that’s all there is. Surely, Jesus is either liberal or conservative. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!”

Remember Christ’s words when you’re dealing with politics. Words like, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Jesus is not republican or democrat or any political party. He’s Jesus! Follow Him above all else. This will set you at odd with just about everyone. Jesus says and does things that upset people from both sides of the aisle. When your politics take the place of Jesus, you’ve forgotten His words. You’ve forgotten the only hope we have in this world. It’s not electing the next politician; it’s the crucified and risen Jesus! Wake up!

Sadly, it’s also how most of what passes for theology works too. You’re either a skeptic or a fundamentalist. The skeptics say they’re right because they say there are too many unanswered questions. Or at least, the Bible doesn’t answer the questions they’re asking in the way that they want, so it can’t be true. The fundamentalists say they’re right because the Bible says they’re right. And the Bible’s right because the Bible says its right. And you can trust the Bible because it’s right. And before you know it, you’re looking for Jesus in one group or the other, thinking that’s all there is. Surely, Jesus is one or the other. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!”

Sports

The angels’ question shows our problem. We forget Jesus’ words and live in the polarity of this world. But what those angels say next solves the problem both for the women at the tomb and for us as well. Remember. “Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” “Remember how He told you.” Remember the words of Jesus. And Luke records what these women do in response, “They remembered His words.” Remembering Jesus’ words made all the difference for these women. They went from confused and perplexed to excited and ready to share the Good News.

Culture

Remember Christ’s words when you’re dealing with the culture around you. Words like, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus is not a liberal or a conservative or anywhere along the spectrum. He’s Jesus! Follow Him at all costs. It will set you at odds with just about everyone. Jesus says and does things that upset both the LGBT community and the white supremacists. When your social stance takes the place of Jesus, you’ve forgotten His words. You’ve forgotten the only hope we have in this world. It’s not getting some activity normalized or getting rid of a certain group of people; it’s the crucified and risen Jesus! Wake up!

Theology

It’s like waking up from a dream. Does that ever happen to you? You wake up from a dream and wonder why you ever cared that those squirrels really didn’t like the tacos they got for Christmas, not that I speak from personal experience on that one… Remember Christ’s words! Wake up from the dream that this world is trying to convince you matters. Remember.

Remember Christ’s words even when you’ve discussing theology. Words like, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus is not a skeptic or a fundamentalist or a member of any denomination for that matter. He’s Jesus! Follow Him more than any pastor or church leader. It may just set you at odds with everyone in the church. Jesus says and does things that upset people of every theological stripe. When your theological correctness takes the place of Jesus, you’ve forgotten His words. You’ve forgotten the only hope we have in this world. It’s not that we can convince everyone that we’re right and they can join our club now; it’s the crucified and risen Jesus! Wake up!

Conclusion- Question shows problem. Answer- remember.

Remember. “Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” He said it was going to happen. It happened. And He reminds you and me of the truth of His Word. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, nothing else matters. Follow Christ, and Him alone.

Remember Christ’s words when you’re dealing with the culture around you. Words like, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus is not a liberal or a conservative or anywhere along the spectrum. He’s Jesus! Follow Him at all costs. It will set you at odds with just about everyone. Jesus says and does things that upset both the LGBT community and the white supremacists. When your social stance takes the place of Jesus, you’ve forgotten His words. You’ve forgotten the only hope we have in this world. It’s not getting some behavior normalized or getting rid of a certain group of people; it’s the crucified and risen Jesus! Remember!

I know what’s going to happen though. You’re on board with me at the moment. You remember what’s really important. But in just a few minutes, you’re going to walk out of here into “the real world” (as if what we do here is not real.) You’re going to be thrown right back into the world that wants to pull you in each and every direction so that you take your eyes off of Christ and onto whatever today’s crisis is. And just like that, you’ll fall back asleep. You’ll forget what Jesus says and go back to business as usual.

Remember Christ’s words even when you’ve discussing theology. Words like, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus is not a skeptic or a fundamentalist or a member of any denomination for that matter. He’s Jesus! Follow Him more than any pastor or church leader. It may just set you at odds with everyone in the church. Jesus says and does things that upset people of every theological stripe. Your religion doesn’t get you to heaven; Jesus does. When your theological correctness takes the place of Jesus, you’ve forgotten His words. You’ve forgotten the only hope we have in this world. It’s not that we can convince everyone that we’re right and they can join our club now; it’s the crucified and risen Jesus! Remember!

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

This is why those spiritual disciplines are so critical in your life and in mine. Missing a Sunday here or there or more often leaves you caught up in what doesn’t matter, binding you to ways leading only to death while you forget the words of life. Going a day or week without prayer separates you from God. It breaks the line of communication between you and the only One who can handle what you’re going through. Letting your Bible sit on the shelf to gather dust is simply shutting the book on the words of Jesus, refusing to hear what He has to remind you of. For your own well-being, do not neglect these things. Remember. Stay awake. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!”

Remember. “Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” He said it was going to happen. It happened. And He reminds you and me of the truth of His Word. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, which happened just as He said, nothing else matters. Follow Christ, and Him alone.

I know what’s going to happen though. For the sake of argument, say you’re on board with me at the moment. You remember what’s really important. But in just a few minutes, you’re going to walk out of here into “the real world” (as if what we do here is not real.) You’re going to be thrown right back into the world that wants to pull you in each and every direction so that you take your eyes off of Christ and onto whatever they say today’s crisis is. And just like that, you’ll fall back asleep. You’ll forget what Jesus says and go back to business as usual.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! [He is risen indeed! Alleluia!] Amen.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

This is why spiritual disciplines are so critical in your life and in mine. Missing a Sunday here or there or more often leaves you caught up in ways that lead only to death while you forget the words of life. Remember. Going a day or week without prayer separates you from God. It breaks the line of communication between you and the only One who can handle what you’re going through. Remember. Letting your Bible sit on the shelf to gather dust is simply shutting the book on the words of Jesus, refusing to hear what He has to remind you of. Remember. For your own well-being, do not neglect these things. Remember. Stay awake. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!”

Alleluia! Christ is risen! [He is risen indeed! Alleluia!] Amen.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

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