How many jobs do we start and never finish? Something distracts us, we find something else more interesting, we are defeated by the difficulties of the task. God, however, always finishes what he begins. The saving work of Christ recorded in the Gospels was carried through to completion.
1. A fearful approach
The women are again at the forefront. When the Sabbath is over (Saturday evening) they buy spices to anoint Jesus’ body. This was an act of deep love and devotion: after his body being two nights and a day in the tomb in the Palestinian climate, this anointing would have no practical value. The women’s making the discovery is evidence of the authenticity of the account. Had the account been fabricated, men would have been the first witnesses since women’s evidence had no legal standing in court. God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8; 1 Corinthians 1:27). There is no sensationalising here. The women are anxious about moving the stone – they seem not to have heard of the seal and the guards. They do not come expecting the resurrection. The enemies of Jesus recalled his prophecies of rising again (Matthew 27:63) but the disciples and even these women seem not to have taken his words seriously. The Gospel account does not hide their failure.
2. A joyful announcement
Their reception is totally unexpected: the stone rolled away and an angel (two mentioned in Luke 24:4). They are told to stop being alarmed (v6) and good grounds are given – ‘He has risen! He is not here’ – the glorious news of the resurrection. His prophecy is fulfilled – after three days he would rise (8:3; actually parts of three days). God’s plan is still being fulfilled. The Triune God is at work (Acts 3:15). Christ has been exalted to the highest possible position (Ephesians 1:20). All the Gospels stress the fact that the tomb was empty. It is a historical fact that even Jesus’ enemies could not dispute. This is an essential element of the gospel message. He has risen to a glorified life, unlike e.g. Lazarus. Death has been conquered. The resurrected one is identical with the crucified one. His resurrection is the guarantee of our resurrection – the ‘first fruits’ (1 Corinthians 15:20).
3. An encouraging promise
The women are given specific instructions – to tell the disciples and Peter. There will be a reunion in Galilee, as promised (14:28). The scattered, disheartened, failed disciples will be reunited with their Lord. They will not be rejected but will be forgiven and restored. Note ‘and Peter’ – special mention. Having failed so singularly, he is most aware of his sin and weakness, most in need of encouragement. In tender love the Lord reassures Peter – there is hope of new life. The Lord deals with us so graciously when we repent of sin (1 John 1:9). Grace restores and re-commissions.
4. A silent departure
The women have been face to face with the mighty work of God. Though the news is joyful, it is also awe-inspiring. They have a profound sense of the presence of God. They stand at the edge of a deep mystery and the impact is overwhelming – ‘Trembling and bewildered’ (v8). They are literally ‘gripped’ by deep emotions. They flee with a deep sense of the holiness of the place (cf Moses at the bush, Exodus 3:5). The time for joyful speaking will come later (Matthew 28:8). The closer we are to God, the more reverent silence there will be. Closeness to him is too deep for casual word