Luke 24:1 - 12

Luke 24:1 - 12

Verse 11 of this passage sums up the entire challenge of the Gospel, of evangelism, and discipleship. The women, having seen the empty open tomb and having heard the message of the Angels report this to the 11 apostles and the others who followed Jesus. In verse 11 Luke uses a word found nowhere else in the New Testament. It is translated “nonsense” in the NASB it is also translated “silly” and other versions. According to scholars this Greek word was used by doctors of that time to describe the mad ravings caused by a fever. This report of the women seemed to be like the ranting of a person delirious from an illness. What the women reported seemed to the apostles to be disconnected from reality. Call it delusion, madness, delirium, or hallucinations, what they reported seemed to be unworthy of belief.

The reaction of Jesus's followers to these reports which made no sense was predictable, “they would not believe them”.  This wording is very important.  It was a matter of the will, they “would not believe”. Note the pattern; first they considered the claims of a resurrection to be nonsense and second they chose not to believe. That is the pattern we see repeated over and over throughout history. When confronted with the resurrection there are two choices. Men may choose to believe it is the ravings of mad men and fanatics and having discounted the messengers reject the message of the Resurrection. The other option is to accept the testimony of those who claim the resurrection is true and submit to the implications of that resurrection.  This is no subjective personal quest, there is no room for a “what does the resurrection mean to me” kind of nonsense. If the resurrection never happened then so be it, we are free to go and do as we wish. But if the resurrection did happen then we must face the Risen Lord with all which that implies.

“Lord, help me submit my will to believe in You. AMEN”