Explore the Bible Sunday School Lesson for April 12

Explore the Bible Sunday School Lesson for April 12

By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

Raised!
Luke 24:1–12

Discovered (1–3)

Luke begins this chapter with the feminine pronoun “they,” which connects this group of women to the same women at the cross (23:49) and the tomb (23:55–56). These women didn’t go to receive anything from Christ. They thought He was dead. They went for one reason — to anoint His body and give to Jesus even in their despair.

Surprisingly, the large stone was rolled away, revealing an empty tomb. Luke uses, “they did not find” to convey that no corpse existed to be found. Early in this story, Luke is making a theological statement that Jesus is alive. Furthermore, Luke unites “Lord” with “Jesus” signifying Jesus is now the exalted Lord Jesus (24:3).

God blessed these heartbroken and hopeless women with being the first to see the empty tomb because they were willing to give. Sometimes we, too, are called to love, expecting nothing in return. Numerous times we are called to give even when we are never thanked.

We come early and stay late when no one else notices. But God notices. He noticed the women and rolled away the stone so they, and others, could see the tomb is empty.

Reported (4–9)

The significance of this event is not in the women or the angels; instead, it lies in the glorious news that Jesus rose from the grave on the third day. This bodily resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of our faith.

If Jesus has not risen, then everything we teach and live is in vain. But the tomb is empty, and Jesus is alive.

That women were the first witnesses is remarkable and points to the veracity of Christ’s resurrection. If one were to fabricate a resurrection narrative, they would not rely on the testimony of women, who were not always looked upon in a positive light during the first century.

Yet in God’s providence, He used these women who exhibited faith as the angel reminded them of Jesus’ promise to rise from the dead on the third day.

These dear women went to the 11 disciples and the others and shared the wonderful news that Jesus is alive.

Confirmed (10–12)

The apostles thought the women’s story was nonsense. Regardless of why they refused to accept their account, I believe their disappointments, in part, blinded them.

We know that two of His followers were traveling with Jesus and stated, “But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21). They looked for Jesus to kick out the Romans, but Pilate was still in power and Jesus was crucified. Things had not turned out as they planned and they were despondent.

Some of us can relate. Our lives have been one disappointment after another; things have not turned out as we expected. God didn’t heal our loved one. The new job never materialized. COVID-19 wiped out all our retirement.

Like the early followers, we can cry, “I had hoped you were the one to redeem us, to liberate us, but here we are.” What should we do? Like Peter, run to the tomb and marvel that it is empty. It is empty because our Lord has risen from the grave.

Experiencing the Lord puts everything in proper perspective. An encounter with the risen Savior changes everything. Even though we still struggle and things don’t work out the way we plan, we learn to trust in His sovereignty. He is working all things for good for those who love Him (Rom. 8:28).

Think about it — the resurrection of Christ and the giving of the Holy Spirit transformed a group of perplexed cowards into people who boldly turned the world upside down. He did it for them. He will do it for us. Look to the empty tomb and marvel. Our Lord is alive!