For those who have questions and even doubt the reality of the resurrection, congratulations, you are in good company. For there were no Christians standing around the cross when Jesus died. And there were no followers of Jesus holding a candlelight vigil in front of the tomb waiting for him to step out at any time. How do we know this? Because the gospel writers are so honest that they tell us what happened from four different accounts.
Luke 24:1-12
Of all the gospel accounts of the resurrection of Jesus this is the only one where we see two angels in dazzling clothes appearing to this group of women with a particular question.
“Why do you seek the living among the dead?”
Let’s unpack these verses and discover the three mistakes they made and how we can make the same mistake today.
- They made the mistake of denying the of the resurrection.
“but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.” (Luke 24:11)
Nobody
expected
no body!
As we continue with this passage we find another mistake they made. Not only did they make the mistake of denying the miracle of the resurrection, but:
2. They made the mistake of denying the of the resurrection.
He is not here, but has risen. 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.” (Luke 24:6-7)
Jesus had to die as their perfect sacrifice.
Jesus had to die to satisfy God’s wrath because of their sin.
Jesus had to die to satisfy God’s just penalty for their sin.
Jesus had to die to become sin that they might be acquitted of all sin.
Jesus had to die that they might be reconciled to God.
Jesus had to die that they might be adopted as God’s children.
Jesus had to die that they might be free from the law and live by grace.
Jesus had to die that they might be a new creation.
Jesus had to die that they might eternal life.
Jesus had to rise from the dead to prove that his death would make all these a reality.
3. They made the mistake of denying the of the resurrection.
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. (Luke 24:1)
How to Avoid These Mistakes
- We need an with the living, risen Savior.
John 20:11-18
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (John 20:16)
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18)
2. We need to his presence daily.