Session 6 by Cathy McIntire
Read Luke 24
Passage Summary & Reflection: This particular chapter in Luke gives us a really wide range of emotions and experiences…from sadness & disbelief to surprise & awe to joy & hope, we are taken on a ride. As this chapter opens, we know that Jesus is dead. He has been wrapped in linen and sealed in a tomb. These faithful women who had witnessed Jesus’ death – and were truly disciples – go to give him a traditional burial with the spices and ointments. Imagine their demeanor, their feelings as they approach this place where they know their beloved teacher has been placed. Still overcome with grief and sadness only to discover an empty tomb…and then encounter angels who gently rebuke these ladies for looking for the living among the dead. You see, these women disciples had heard Jesus say that he would rise from the dead…and the angels reminded them of this and then there was a realization amongst them that they were witnessing the greatest miracle of all – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. From sorrow and grief to elation and hope…the journey of the women at the cross and tomb might be much like our faith experience. Sometimes sorrow and grief are so overwhelming and deep that witnessing a miracle is all that can move us to joy and hope. But, what if a miracle isn’t something HUGE – like resurrection or healing or a specific answer to prayer; what if our miracles that can move us to joy and hope might be in the small things – a moment of clarity, a chance encounter, an unexpected kindness, the beauty of nature, the quietness of God.
The story then shifts to a scene on a road where two of Jesus’ followers are walking talking about the events – a little lost in hopelessness – and Jesus joins them; however, these two men are not able to recognize Jesus. Much like the angels gently rebuke the women, Jesus does the same with these men; yet, the men aren’t as quick to realize what’s happening right in front of them. It wasn’t until Jesus shared a meal (much like the last supper with his disciples) and broke bread with them that their eyes were open and they understood what they were witnessing – the resurrected Lord! And, they couldn’t wait to tell the others that Lord had risen! From hopelessness to excitement…the work of Jesus.
In the book of Acts we read, “After his death, Jesus presented himself alive to them (the disciples) in many different settings over a period of forty days.” Forty days of reassurance to the disciples and us, that Jesus is still with us; that even when we feel lost and hopeless, abandoned and full of sorrow, Jesus is there – walking with us, waiting for us, working for our good, offering hope … reminding us that miracles occur.
Personal Reflection: Consider, reflect, journal, talk about the following questions as a way to personally examine and own the scripture:
- We’re all hoping for something. What areas of your life are you asking God to move in?
- What miracles might you notice in your everyday life that may help to bring hope your way?
- Think back to a time when you felt abandoned by God but later realized God had been working all along. What did you learn during that season? How has that experience changed your relationship with the Lord?
Prayer: Holy and Mighty God, thank you for the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection. For the hope it brings to our lives and the power it offers us. May we embrace this hope, but even more, live it out. Amen.
