By Mark D. Proctor
Pastor, Highland Park Baptist Church, Columbia
Focal Passage: Luke 24:1-8, 36-40
It starts like the thin plot of a low budget thriller. Luke relates the resurrection story in characteristically uncomplicated, simple verb statements: they came, they found, they went in, they were perplexed, and they were terrified. “They” were the loyal, all-female band of Jesus’ followers. And they were out early — very early (Luke 24:1). But this early morning drama quickly gives way to the most recognizable statement in Christian history: “He is not here, but he has risen!” Human fear yields to heavenly victory. The resurrection story is a story of immediate transitions.
Oswald Chambers wrote that we should always be ready, as believers, for the surprise appearances of Jesus. Things change quickly near Jesus. Bodies are healed immediately. Storms are calmed immediately. Water becomes wine immediately. The power of a living Lord makes those transitions happen at the right time in the right way at the right speed — immediately. Teachers, point this out to your class members and encourage the hope that the power of the resurrection means that today’s pain and distress can quickly give way to today’s comfort.
The fear of a secure tomb, complete with large stone (Mark 16:4) quickly gave way when they “found the stone rolled away.” (Luke 24:2). The fear of an overpowering stone was gone with the quickness of a glance. Verse 3 continues the immediate transitions: the expectation to find a dead Jesus gave way to being “perplexed” (v. 4) because there was no body, another immediate transition. Another transition is seen in the expectation of dealing with a dead man in grave clothes to dealing with two living angels in “dazzling clothes” (v. 4).
We find encouragement also in the next words of the angels. Not only can the resurrection change things immediately for His followers but Christ loved His followers enough to tell them about it ahead of time. No need to worry, no need to be afraid, “Remember how he spoke to you …” (v. 6). Stop for a moment, they meant, and recall to mind that Jesus told you these things would happen. That’s good advice for us all today: stop and call to mind His promises and prophecies. There we find our hope and in the resurrection, we find their fulfillment.
The resurrection story has one more immediate transition. The trip down memory lane is immediately interrupted when they saw Jesus. “They were startled and terrified …” (v. 37). And Jesus asked why, though He knew the answer. They were startled for the same reason they were perplexed and terrified before: Jesus immediately changed their expectations.
With sunrise on Easter Sunday morning, we may find ourselves expecting another verse and chorus of, “He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today …” followed by another Easter lunch and another egg hunt. Even the celebration of Easter can become mundane. But remember that Easter is the day to celebrate immediate transitions to much greater things. Truly, there is hope in the name of the Lord!
