In Today's Scripture Reading:
Jesus before Pilate and Herod; His crucifixion and resurrection; ministry of the risen Christ; His commission; His ascension
Some of the women who were followers of Jesus watched as He died on the cross, and then watched as the body of their beloved Lord was hastily laid in the rock-hewn tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. That day was the preparation. . . . And the women. . . . returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath day according to the Commandment (Luke 23:54-56). Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning (24:1), on their way to the tomb, these women were greatly concerned about who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre (tomb)? . . . the stone . . . was very great (large) (Mark 16:3-4). They soon discovered that their concern had already been taken care of by an angel.
Matthew recorded the terror experienced by the Roman guards who had been assigned to watch the sealed tomb, when the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and . . . rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it (Matthew 28:2,4). When the women came to the tomb to complete the burial procedures, they entered in, and . . . . behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And. . . . said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again (Luke 24:3-7). Excitedly, the women rushed to the disciples to relate their thrilling discovery.
These women had no thought of deserting their Lord in death, even though a hostile crowd had crucified Him. Our love for the Lord Jesus and His Word should enable us to overcome any temptation to be intimidated by unbelievers. Neither the women, nor the apostles, were expecting such a glorious experience on that resurrection morning. God always has better things in store for us than we think possible, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man . . . And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen (Ephesians 3:16, 19-21).
Word Studies:
23:5 Jewry =b> the Judean region; 23:19 for . . . sedition =b> for having started a riot; 23:23 were instant =b> were insistent or persistent; 23:29 paps =b> breasts; 23:32 malefactors =b> criminals, ones who do evil; 24:29 far spent =b> almost over.
Cross References:
For Luke 23:30: See Hosea 10:8. Luke 23:34: See Psalm 22:18.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. John Barrow (GA) • Country: Nicaragua (5 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Limited religious freedom • 95% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Call to the Lord for help; He will save you out of your troubles (Psalm 34:17).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:9