That You May Know - Pt 20

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. (Luke 24:1-6 ESV).

We end our series highlighting the character and nature of Jesus with the greatest miracle ever recorded in history. Our reading describes the resurrection of Jesus simply declaring that the stone had been rolled away. These dear women had mustered up the courage in their deep grief to go to the tomb where Jesus’ body had been placed for the final preparation of the body for burial. There is no way I can imagine how they must have felt. Their hopes and dreams were destroyed and all that remained was one final act of kindness. They arrive and find the stone that had been placed in front of the entrance, sealed with the authority of the governor and guarded by two soldiers is rolled aside. Luke recounts that “they were perplexed” (v. 3). Then they see two “men in dazzling apparel” standing near the entrance. I can imagine their fear. They were not startled, they were terrified. It is the natural reaction of every human when confronted with the presence of an angelic being. Once they gathered themselves, they heard the angel says, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (v. 5). Tim Keller tweeted an remarkably insightful remark in 2016. I shall not forget it: The reason the stone was rolled away on Jesus' tomb was not so that Jesus could get out, but so that we could get in. That is the whole of the truth of the gospel. My pastor, Mark Mangrem, often says, “Jesus paid the price we could never pay and died the death we deserved.” There is great truth in that statement; however, I would add one other part to that equation. Jesus did indeed pay the price we could never pay; and, he died the death we absolutely deserved; however, he also conquered the enemy we had already surrendered to in the resurrection! This series has been titled “That You May Know.” My sincere hope is that you have not merely gained a bit of knowledge. I have not wanted to impart more information in these devotionals. My prayer is that you will have come to know Him… the Jesus who is God and Savior. My hope is that you have been transformed by the knowledge of Jesus who loved you from the foundation of the world and is calling you to eternal life even now. By that you will have hope and strength for all the challenges of your journey. Don’t wait another minute to celebrate this life He has provided for you!