Luke 24

 This is a great chapter to have on Christmas Eve!We get to hear about he resurrection of Jesus the day before we celebrate his birth in Bethlehem!

The resurrection events are never described- so it will always be a mystery- but we have several stories of the discovery of the empty tomb. I like that women were the first to witness to Jesus' resurrection. Women are often downplayed in the church- but this puts them high on the list! The women come to the tomb to embalm Jesus, but angels announce that he is gone. It is interesting to note that angels announce the birth and the resurrection! In v 4, the women "wonder" where Jesus is; some translations say that they were "greatly perplexed" The women (and the men) obviously didn't expect resurrection-- even after all  the times Jesus spoke of it! Would you have believed it? When the angles announce Jesus is one, I'd like to imagine them saying it in a somewhat snarky voice- "Did you expect to find a living body in a place for the dead?!" I don't know if the angels talked that way, but one can imagine! And then in v 8, "the women remembered!" How must that have felt to the women?! Imagine their excitement! Are you as excited about Jesus' resurrection?

The women runt o tell the others, but they didn't believe them. Although Peter, the one who denied even knowing Jesus, ran to the tomb just to make sure the women weren't talking crazy. The text says he went home, not back to the others, and he wondered. What thoughts were going through Peter's mind at that point?What thoughts would you have had?

Still Sunday, still reeling from disaster and lost, some of Jesus followers start walking to Emmaus (about 7 miles away from Jerusalem). They run into a stranger, and begin to tell him the stories of what has gone on, surprised that he didn't know! I like v 19, Jesus says (in a somewhat surprised yet knowing voice), "What are you guys talking about?!" But, he let us down as we were hoping he was the Messiah, the one to come and free us (v 21). The men are let down and sounding somewhat upset. How often do we feel "let down" by Jesus? Jesus continues to chat and finally says (v 25), "You are slow to believe..." (some translation say slow of heart). Why do you think the disciples and others were slow to believe? How slow are we to believe? Then the epiphany comes in v 30 when Jesus sits and eats, reenacting the Last Supper. They were allowed to recognize Jesus! What block us from fully seeing Jesus?  The men mention it felt like there was a fire burning inside them (v 32). Do you feel that fire? The men go back to Jerusalem (probably running the seven miles) and tell the disciples, probably still in the upper room. It is still the Sunday of Resurrection.

As they are all together, Jesus comes in and says "Peace" (v 36), giving an entirely new meaning to these words! Jesus then says, "Why do you doubt?" (v 38) Do we doubt? Why do we doubt? I love v 44, and I want Jesus to say this in a dad voice- you know the kind- "I told you so!" their minds were opened. Are our minds opened? Really? 

Jesus talk about the coming Pentecost celebration when the Holy Spirit will be given to them all (v 49)(read more in Acts 2-3). Jesus ascends to heaven and the people were very happy (v 52).  Imagine the discussion and thoughts they were having!

This has been a great opportunity to learn and discuss. I hope you have enjoyed the discipline of daily reading and conversation. I wish we could have been together to talk- maybe next year!

I will do some regular posts (Maybe Monday and Thursday) and we can continue these discussions if you'd like. No pressure. Invite others to join us!

May you have a great and now more meaningful Christmas day. 

Shalom+
Pastor Paul