Luke 24:9-11 is about the women who went to the tomb after Jesus’ resurrection, but the disciples did not believe their testimony of the angels and the empty tomb, highlighting the struggle of faith and disbelief even when faced with evidence of the miraculous.
9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,
11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
Setting the Scene for Luke 24:9-11
In Luke chapter 24, we find a group of women who had been followers of Jesus, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. These women had been with Jesus throughout his ministry, witnessing his teachings, miracles, and ultimately his crucifixion. On the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion, these women went to the tomb where Jesus had been laid to rest, carrying spices to anoint his body.
As they arrived at the tomb, they were surprised to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Confused and distressed, they were suddenly confronted by two angels who declared to them that Jesus had risen from the dead, just as he had foretold. The women were filled with a mixture of fear, amazement, and joy at this miraculous news. They hurried back to the disciples to share the incredible revelation of Jesus’ resurrection, but the disciples initially struggled to believe their account.
The scene is set at the break of dawn, with the soft light of the rising sun casting a gentle glow over the garden tomb. The air is filled with the fragrance of the spices the women carried, mingling with the scent of blooming flowers. The atmosphere is charged with a mix of emotions – disbelief, wonder, and hope – as the women grapple with the astonishing news they have just received. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of the disciples’ journey to truly understand and embrace the reality of Jesus’ resurrection.
What is Luke 24:9-11 about?
A powerful message about faith and belief is seen in this verse. Even though the women were the first to witness the miraculous event of Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles, who were close followers of Jesus, initially doubted their account. This moment challenges us to reflect on the nature of belief and how we respond to new information or experiences that challenge our existing beliefs.
Imagine being in the shoes of the apostles. How would you feel if someone told you something that seemed impossible or out of the realm of what you thought was possible? This verse encourages us to examine our own beliefs and be open to the possibility of something greater than ourselves. It teaches us about the importance of keeping an open heart and mind, even when faced with information that goes against what we think we know. This verse ultimately serves as a reminder that faith is not always easy, and belief can sometimes be a journey that requires patience, introspection, and a willingness to reconsider our assumptions. It challenges us to consider how we respond to messages that may initially seem unbelievable, and to strive to cultivate a faith that is open to the mysterious and miraculous workings of the divine.
Understanding what Luke 24:9-11 really means
After the resurrection of Jesus, the women who visited His tomb found it empty and were informed by angels of His resurrection. Upon returning to the apostles with this news, the women were met with disbelief, as the apostles considered their words to be nonsensical. This reaction of skepticism from the apostles towards the women’s testimony is a common human response when faced with extraordinary claims, even from unexpected sources. The initial disbelief of the apostles sets the stage for a deeper reflection on faith and skepticism in the passage.
In parallel passages like John 20:1-10, Mark 16:9-11, and Matthew 28:1-10, we see a consistent theme of the disciples struggling to believe in the resurrection initially. These accounts serve as a reminder that doubt and skepticism are not uncommon in matters of faith. Just as the apostles eventually came to believe in the resurrection, individuals today are encouraged to trust in the testimonies of others and have faith in the miraculous.
The role of women in being the first witnesses and messengers of the resurrection is significant. In a cultural context where women’s testimonies were often disregarded, the fact that they were entrusted with such a crucial message challenges societal norms and underscores the importance of their voices in the faith community. This aspect of the passage prompts readers to reflect on the value placed on different voices and the need to listen to and believe in the testimonies of all individuals, regardless of their background or societal status.
Consider a modern scenario where a marginalized group makes a groundbreaking discovery. Initially met with skepticism, their credibility grows as evidence supports their claims. This parallels the experience of the women at the tomb and the eventual acceptance of their testimony by the apostles. It serves as a reminder to approach testimonies with an open mind and to recognize the potential for truth in unexpected places.
As readers delve into the phrases within the passage, such as “They did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense,” they are confronted with the reality of doubt and the challenge of accepting the miraculous. The women’s courage in sharing the news despite potential disbelief highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in spreading the gospel. By contemplating these elements, individuals can deepen their understanding of the passage and its relevance to contemporary issues of faith, the role of women, and the significance of believing in the testimonies of others.
What prevents us from believing eyewitness accounts of Jesus?
Our lack of belief in eyewitness accounts of Jesus could stem from a variety of factors. The women who saw the empty tomb conveyed the message to the apostles in Luke 24:9-11, but the apostles initially did not believe them. This lack of belief could be due to preconceived notions or biases that hinder them from accepting the truth.
Furthermore, skepticism or doubts about the supernatural or miraculous could also play a role in why we may struggle to believe eyewitness accounts of Jesus. The idea of Jesus resurrecting from the dead may seem implausible or impossible to some, leading to hesitation in accepting eyewitness testimonies.
Lastly, human tendencies to rationalize or seek logical explanations for everything may also prevent us from believing in miraculous events. The apostles struggled to comprehend the resurrection in Luke 24 because it did not align with their understanding of natural phenomena. Our own cognitive limitations and perceptions may limit our ability to accept accounts that challenge our conventional understanding of the world.
Application
Embrace the spirit of the women who fearlessly shared the news of Christ’s resurrection to ignite a fire within your own heart. Speak of the victory over darkness, let your voice echo like a beacon of hope in this dark world. Take that step, be the messenger of grace, and light the way for those lost in the shadows. Will you let the story of hope and redemption in Jesus be heard through you today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.