Luke 24:1-8
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As you read Luke 24:1-8, try and imagine the various emotions of the women.
The women have done their best to engage in Sabbath rest, but at first light they hurry back to the place where Jesus’ body lies. But when they reach the tomb, the object of their devotion is absent, and Luke tells us that the women are “puzzled” (literally, “at a loss”). They have no frame of reference for this situation, and they don’t even understand enough to jump to conclusions. They just continue doing what they have done throughout this whole ordeal – they wait and watch.
These faithful women present for us a picture of true followership. When their leader is arrested, they stay close by while the others run away. When Jesus is condemned and forced to carry his cross to the place of execution, they follow him down the road. When he is abused and crucified, they watch in silence. And as two religious leaders move his body from the cross to the tomb, they observe every detail and then make preparations to care for him. Finally, they return to the last place they saw Jesus.
None of the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion made sense to any of his disciples, but these women neither fled nor tried to find mental equilibrium in the midst of their confusion. They simply stayed close to Jesus and waited to find out what they should do next.
Take some time to contemplate the actions of these female disciples of Jesus. Consider how likely or unlikely you are to follow Jesus the way they followed him. Talk openly with Jesus as thoughts come to mind.
Read Luke 24:1-8 again.
Because of their open-hearted way of being with Jesus, these women are privileged to be the first to learn that he has defeated death. In spite of their terror at the sight of the supernatural beings, they are able to listen and receive the message. And because of their habit of waiting, watching, listening and following Jesus, they easily remember what he said and recognize that it has come to pass.
Stop again to consider how well you are waiting for, watching, and listening to Jesus. Are you able to filter your daily realities through Jesus’ teaching and example?
Get quiet and let your thoughts settle. Then listen to Jesus for a while.
What might Jesus want you to learn from the example of these women?
What will you do about that?
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