Luke 24: 1 – 12 The Women at the Tomb and Peter

Luke 24: 1 – 12 The Women at the Tomb and Peter

But at daybreak on the first day of the week they took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. They said to them, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised.* Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.” And they remembered his words. Then they returned from the tomb and announced all these things to the eleven and to all the others. The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James; the others who accompanied them also told this to the apostles, but their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths alone; then he went home amazed at what had happened.

Two days after Jesus death, three women who loved him arrived at the tomb to further anoint his body. They are keeping vigil, caring for their friend and Lord in death as they did in life, selflessly. Their humble service is rewarded. They are the first to know that Jesus is risen. The two angels present at the tomb ask them to remember what Jesus had told them. Suddenly it becomes clear – a miracle to end all miracles. The women greet the news with amazement and with faith. They rush off to tell the others. Their new is greeted with disbelief by the apostles, except for Peter. Peter who has been tested, found wanting, and forgiven. Peter whom Jesus believed in, believed in Jesus in turn. They say that experience is a great teacher. Peter is a prime example - someone who made mistakes, had to face the consequences of his actions, had to admit he was wrong and ask for forgiveness and then was given it. All of this combined to make Peter the person he is now, the person who will establish Christ's church community on earth.