Easter Sunday main service (Luke 24:1-12)

 Easter Sunday main service (Luke 24:1-12)

The very first Easter is set in the early dawn of the first day of the week.  The women—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others—set out to the tomb with spices in hand.  They are not expecting a “risen Jesus” – they have gone to complete the burial process. So their hearts were heavy with grief, and their mission was one of mourning.  They came to anoint the body of Jesus; however, they were unaware that their sorrowful task would soon transform into an awe-filled proclamation of joy.

Like those women, we, too, often approach life’s challenges bearing the weight of our own burdens, our griefs, and our fears.  We come to the tombs of our disappointments, the places of our despair, carrying spices of regret and sorrow. But this account teaches us that we may encounter the miraculous where we least expect it.

As the women arrive, they find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.  This shocking discovery prompts confusion and fear. “Where is the body of Jesus?” they wonder.  We, too, can relate to their feelings of bewilderment in times of unexpected change asking – where is Jesus. 

But the angelic message breaks through their confusion: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen!” And that’s the message we need to keep hearing. Jesus has risen. And this question by the angels shouts loudly and deeply: Are we seeking the living Christ in the tombs of our own lives? 

The message of Easter is clear: Jesus is not found in the tomb. He is alive!  Our faith is rooted in a living hope, a hope that rises above our circumstances and offers us new life and hope. The angels remind the women of Jesus’ words.  They recall His promise that He would rise on the third day. 

It’s significant that the angels point them back to the teachings of Jesus.  And we, too, must remember the truth of who Jesus is and what He taught. As the women embrace this truth, they become the first messengers of the resurrection.  Their excitement and joy compel them to return to the disciples and proclaim the good news: “He is alive!” 

This is a powerful reminder that our experiences of resurrection and renewal should not be kept to ourselves.  We are called to share the good news of Christ in our lives with others.

When the women share the news, the disciples respond with disbelief so it’s not surprising that not everyone responds when we want to share the good news with them. Their doubts mirror the doubts we sometimes encounter – maybe even our own at times. 

In a world filled with skepticism, how often do we hesitate to fully embrace the miraculous truths of our faith when faced with darkness?  Yet, even in our doubts, there is grace.  Jesus doesn’t turn away from the disciples; instead, He meets them in their uncertainty.

As we journey through life, we may face moments when our faith is tested, when we wrestle with doubt, or when the weight of the world seems too heavy to bear.  But let us remember, doubt does not disqualify us from experiencing the grace of God.  Instead, it can lead us to a deeper understanding of His presence in our lives.

As we leave today, let us hold onto the profound truth of this passage: Christ is Risen! He is alive, and because of this, we have hope even amidst our trials. The resurrection empowers us to live boldly, to embrace life in all its challenges, and to share the good news with others. Let us no longer seek the living among the dead. 

Instead, let us carry the message of the resurrection into our communities, into our workplaces, and into our families. 

This Easter, I pray that you will be transformed by the reality of Jesus’ victory over death, and may bring a message of hope reflecting His light in a world that so desperately needs it in the darkness that confronts us.