Luke chapter 24 verses 9-12 (NIV)
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Luke chapter 24 verses 22-24 (NIV)
In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
The women had not one, but two miraculous encounters. First with an angel at the empty tomb, and then to their joy, they knelt in worship at the feet of the risen Christ. So when they rushed to share their news, it must have been so disappointing when those they told didn’t believe them. Except Peter, and John who both ran to the tomb. Cleopas even said us much to Jesus Himself on the Emmaus road.
When we ourselves have an encounter with Jesus, we too may be desperate to tell others, and not everyone will respond in the same way. To some it may well seem like nonsense. Others may be perplexed and unsure. Others may be like Peter and John and will hear and believe. But the most important thing is to share our story. How people then choose to react is not our problem. We leave them to God.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the faithfulness of the women who shared their story. Help me to be faithful in sharing mine, and not to be focused on how people respond. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.