Women: First witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus
26 Apr 2022Little Devotionals (Ann)
“Women of the Bible” series by Ann Little
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-11; Mark16:1-14; Luke 24:1-24; John 20:1-20
Mary Magdalene was the key player in this resurrection story. Mary the mother of James, Salome, and Johanna are also listed and Luke mentioned “several other women.” Except for Jesus’ mother who, we can guess, was being cared for by John, the women were most likely the same women at the cross. They had witnessed his death, and watched where he was buried.
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-11; Mark16:1-14; Luke 24:1-24; John 20:1-20
Mary Magdalene was the key player in this resurrection story. Mary the mother of James, Salome, and Johanna are also listed and Luke mentioned “several other women.” Except for Jesus’ mother who, we can guess, was being cared for by John, the women were most likely the same women at the cross. They had witnessed his death, and watched where he was buried.
***** (continued)
In a court of law in those days, a woman would never be permitted as a witness. Yet, the risen Jesus chose to reveal himself first to women. They were the first witnesses of his resurrection! They loved Jesus, whether he was dead or alive.
Early resurrection Sunday morning, they made their way to the tomb to care for Jesus’ body, worrying about how to roll the tomb stone away. As a result, they were the first to witness the astounding fact of the empty tomb, see glorious angels, and be entrusted with the task of spreading the good news to the followers of Jesus. Shock turned to fear and then joy! In addition, according to the passages in Matthew, Mark & John, Mary Magdalene actually met up with her beloved risen Lord, who confirmed the angels’ message and sent her to tell the disciples.
What were the disciples’ reaction to their message? THEY DID NOT BELIEVE! “What nonsense!” they thought. Peter and John had to check out their story with their own eyes before they would believe that Jesus’ body was missing. Thomas did not even believe the disciples’ report. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus, who met up with Jesus, knew about the women’s message, but did not understand. “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said” (Luke 24:22-24). Jesus called them “foolish” and “unbelieving” and again reminded them of what was written in the prophets about himself. The women’s word and the prophet’s words were not enough. Until Jesus revealed himself to them, they did not believe.
Jesus later said to his disciples “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
That’s us! We are blessed!