Easter Sunday is a day we celebrate the greatest, most glorious, most hopeful, supernatural event the world has ever seen: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Looking at Luke chapter 24, we see several ways this is confirmed: the women found the tomb empty, the two angels testify “He has risen”, and the women would remember Jesus’s own words which promised His resurrection. But the purpose of this text is not to prove the resurrection. Instead, this passage shows us how Jesus’ disciples responded to his death and resurrection. This was a real event, experienced by real people who responded in the ways you and I might have if we had been one of them. Today, we will focus on the real-world response the disciples had to the resurrection and hopefully learn how we ought to respond today. So, the question is, how should we respond to the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ? 

Remember (Luke 24:5-8)

The angels ask the women a legitimate question – why do you think Jesus is still dead? He told them several times that He would die and rise again, but they never understood what He meant – even though He was very clear.  This was Jesus’ plan. There was no accident or coincidence in the events which took place. Up until this moment, none of His followers realized it meant He would give His life as payment and return to life to prove the payment was complete. Therefore, we must remember both the words and actions of Jesus.

There were several specific things that Jesus said which we should remember. First, He said He is the Son of God (John 10:30). His true nature is fully man, but also truly and fully God. Second, Jesus said that He is the way (John 14:6). Apart from Christ, we have no hope. He is the only way we can be given life and a relationship with God. There is no other access. Third, Jesus said He came to save humanity (John 3:16). Christ’s purpose in coming was not to cause political turmoil or to merely give an example of how to live. He came to save us. To die on the cross for the sins of the world so that anyone who believes might be given life. Forth, He said He would die and rise again (Matt 20:17-19). He would die this death to pay for our sins. We cannot ignore the words of Jesus! They have eternal implications, and every word He said about Himself came true. That means we must trust His words, remember them, and prepare to obey whatever call He may make in our lives. 

Believe (Luke 24:9-11) 

It’s clear the women believed, not just remembered. They probably thought they would be met with joy and rejoicing, not doubt and mocking. But the disciples, instead of rejoicing and marveling at what happened, took the eyewitness account of the ladies as nonsense. But the women had believed, and not in the same way they believed before. So, why didn’t the disciples believe in that moment? Of all people, the eleven were the closest to Jesus and should have expected it. But if we are honest, we too would find such a fantastic story difficult to believe. Even the greatest and most powerful men have no power over death. But Jesus was different. We know He raised several people from the dead including Mary’s brother Lazerus. This was proof that He was God (John 5:21). Had the disciples realized what it meant for Jesus to be the Son of God, they no doubt would have believed immediately upon hearing the testimony of the women. The most important response one has to the resurrection is to believe it is true, and put your faith in Christ. 

Marvel (Luke 24:12)

It isn’t clear if Peter believed the women, but at the least, he certainly hoped it was true. Peter only needed to look in to where they had placed his body to see that Jesus was no longer buried and he goes away “wondering” – not in the sense that he didn’t understand – but that he was in awe and wonder at what God had done. Like Peter, we must marvel at these things! All we truly deserve from our just and righteous God is wrath (Rom. 6:23). Yet, He gives the gift of life freely. To respond appropriately to the truth of the resurrection, we must marvel. We must be in awe at the power and love of God in these events. 

Unity (Luke 24:10-12)

These verses also give us a caution; we need to realize the truth of the resurrection is meant to cause unity among those who believe. The disciples refuse to believe the women and for a time,  and there was disunity amongst Christ’s followers. In those moments, where they could have had great joy and rejoicing together, they instead were opposed to each other. For us, if someone denies the reality of the resurrection, we understand they’ve denied a fundamental of the faith and may not be a believer in the first place. Those who believe Jesus rose from the grave found community. As we meditate on the resurrection, we must understand this oneness: we are not here as a church because of our greatness. We are here because of what Jesus did on the cross. Therefore, because of our faith in Christ and His death and resurrection, we are one body (Eph. 4:4-6). We are God’s people. He has brought us together and to Himself to glorify His name and to reach the lost. Let us fight for love and unity so that together we might accomplish our mission. 

Conclusion

 We must respond to the resurrection by remembering, believing, marveling, and seeking unity. The witness of the women and the eleven to the empty tomb of Jesus teaches us a great deal about real-life response to the resurrection. Certainly, this is a spectacular event, and for some it may be difficult to believe; yet it truly happened. Have you responded to the resurrection? Even more importantly, have you believed? Have you turned to Christ and trusted in Him for salvation? Easter is not just a religious holiday. There is eternal importance in these matters, and you are offered eternal hope in Christ Jesus. Believe and turn to Jesus. Marvel at His work and be driven to serve Him in all things.