Luke 24:9-24 — He is risen?

READ THIS: Luke 24:9-24

9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. 

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 

18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. 

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

Yesterday, we read about a group of women being told the incredible news that Jesus had risen from the grave! He is risen! But, here, no one believes them. They don't even hold on to some hope that what they say might be true. Peter goes and looks for himself, and walks away wondering what really happened (v12). The two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus who heard the women's story were walking with "their faces downcast" (v17). Peter at least is in a state of wondering, but the other two men are just sad, despite the possibility that the women could be telling the truth!

In verse 22, the men say that they were amazed by what the women said, but they're still sad because they assume it can't be true since no one actually saw Jesus. Sometimes, when we tell people the news about Jesus, that He offers salvation to all who believe, people might be amazed at such a thing. But, they don't believe it because they don't see it with their own eyes. They don't see Jesus in their life, so how is it possible He is anywhere?

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Do you think you would have believed the women if you were one of the disciples who didn't see the angels? Why or why not?

 

2. Why do you think people don't currently believe what Christians say is true about Jesus? What would you say are the top three reasons?

TRY THIS:

Pretend right now that you didn't believe in Jesus. Imagine hat would have to happen for you to believe that Jesus is your Savior, that He rose from the dead, and the He is alive right now, walking with you through each day.