WEDNESDAY

Luke 24:1-12

One of the amazing things about being part of a community of believers is the realization that we are not alone in our desire to follow Jesus. While we don’t have an exact timeline of the events that unfolded on that amazing morning, one of the things we discover from Luke’s account is that other women were there at some point as well. They too saw the empty tomb, encountered the angels, and were given a message to share. Perhaps they were with Mary when she came earlier and then went with her as she went back with to tell the disciples, after which Mary returned again with Peter and John? However it unfolded, it appears that the gospel writers were less concerned with mapping out the chronological order of events that morning and much more interested in focusing on how what happened impacted them! As you read today’s passage after having read yesterday’s, what additional insights surface for you as you notice the way people were impacted by the amazing realization that Jesus was indeed alive? As you take a few moments to reflect on this, consider the following:

• As you reflect on what the angels said to the women, what especially stands out or speaks to you? Explain.

• What can we learn from noticing that the disciples only now understood what Jesus had been talking about?

• While the women were given the message to share with the disciples, it appears that the disciples still did not believe them. What do you think that was all about?

• What was it about Peter’s (and probably John’s as well) response to what the women shared that was different from that of the others? What can we learn from that?

• How do you suppose the women responded to not being believed? In what ways can you identify with their experience? How do you deal with not being believed?

As you think about what surfaces in your own thinking and in your heart as you reflect on this passage, take a few moments to share with God in prayer.