But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. – Luke 24:1-12 (ESV)
Darrell Bock writes:
Luke 24:1-12 is the first account that hints of a reversal of the tragedy of Jesus’ death. An act of mourning and respect turns to perplexity for some devoted women. They appear at the tomb, only to find the stone moved, angels present, and the tomb empty. Jesus is brought to life, just as he predicted. The promise of God’s power has come to pass, but the whole story is rather unbelievable. Nonetheless, the women go back to the disciples to relate the story, where they are met with unbelief, probably because they thought that resurrection from the dead would come at the end-time. But Peter is not sure. He has learned that what Jesus says is not only surprising, but right. He runs to the tomb. It is empty, except for the grave clothes, which suggests that Jesus was there at one time. Surely if he had been taken, the clothes would not still be there. No one would steal the body and leave the impression of resurrection. Peter is left to marvel over events and the reminder of Jesus’ words. It is a moment of reflection, decision and faith. Is resurrection the only adequate explanation for what Peter sees? Is not resurrection what Jesus promised? Has not God acted on behalf of Jesus? Is Jesus alive to carry out God’s plan after all? These are questions not only for Peter in the moment of his discovery, but for all who relive that moment through Luke’s retelling of the story. What else can explain these events? Can one really believe in resurrection hope? The story is not over. The apparent end has become a new beginning. Those who doubt will have their doubts laid to rest by the Lord who stands risen from his encounter with death.
MEMORY WORK – Shorter Catechism Q/A 97
Q. 97. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord’s supper?
A. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord’s supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.