14 March - Luke 24

Today we’re reading Luke 24. This is a very exciting chapter. Here are some thoughts:

1. The last chapter (Luke 23) had quite a depressing end, Jesus was crucified, confirmed dead and buried in a tomb. But this chapter opens with the most significant event in the life of Jesus, his resurrection from the dead. 
2. Some women went to the tomb, where they saw Jesus buried, to put spices on his body. This was a common custom in their culture. However, the tomb was empty and angels told them Jesus had risen from the dead. The women ran back to tell the disciples but they did not believe the women.
3. Then Jesus appeared to a couple of them walking on a road and talked with them at length but did not allow them to know who he was until much later. These two guys immediately ran to tell the 11 disciples that Jesus was alive (it was only 11 now since Judas killed himself after betraying Jesus).
4. Then Jesus appeared to all of them so that they all could know with certainty he was no longer dead. After this Jesus took them outside to another place and then was taken up into heaven.

The resurrection is the defining event in the life of Jesus that sets the Christian faith apart from all other religions. Think about it, there has been other people who have started religions but they all have one thing in common, they’re all dead. That’s not said to be morbid but factual. Jesus is the only one to come back from the dead. What’s more, is there is evidence to support this claim.

Do you believe Jesus came back from the dead? If not why? Did you know that there is evidence outside of the Bible to support his resurrection? What do you think about the following statement; “the resurrection is the event that sets Jesus apart form other people who have started other religions?”