Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 They didn’t know what to make of this. Suddenly, two men were standing beside them in gleaming bright clothing. 5 The women were frightened and bowed their faces toward the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He isn’t here, but has been raised. Remember what he told you while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Human One must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words. 9 When they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the eleven and all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. 11 Their words struck the apostles as nonsense, and they didn’t believe the women. 12 But Peter ran to the tomb. When he bent over to look inside, he saw only the linen cloth. Then he returned home, wondering what had happened. (Luke 24:1–12)
They Remembered His Words
Good Day Family,
Are there words that have been spoken to you that you can’t forget? Are there words that you had forgotten that time and circumstance suddenly brought back to your memory? Maybe someone else’s words sparked your memory. Maybe you had a feeling there was more to consider.
In the gospel reading, the women who had witnessed Jesus’ death go to prepare his body. They didn’t know what that the two men who buried Jesus had also anointed him…or maybe they did…but wanted to make sure that the task was complete and done properly. In any case, they come to the tomb surprised.
Two men reminded them what Jesus had foretold about his death. They had forgotten, which tells us that the women were with Jesus all along, following him as disciples. It also tells us that their grief overrode their memory, but memory can be retrieved. Memory can heal. Memory can offer hope.
The men, the disciples who didn’t follow Jesus all the way to the cross, did not allow the memory to minister to them. Perhaps their shame at abandoning their leader and friend prevented them from examining this new revelation. But Peter, like the women, allowed the memory to take hold of him.
In the midst of the worst of challenges, we have memories. Our own stories as well as the testimony of others can bring encouragement and a promise for a brighter and better future. “Trouble don’t last always,” as the saying goes. “This too shall pass” is another. “Remember what he told you” is today’s reminder that the God who comes to us never leaves nor forsakes us.
Remember those words.
In hope,
Be well,
Pastor Cheryl
We are the church and as we gather, in whatever form that may be, to worship, fellowship and serve, the church is alive and well.
Let us encourage one another. Remain safe and check in on one another. We will get through this, and when we do…and look back on the other side…we will be stronger, more grateful, and more connected than ever.