16th April - First Sightings

Luke 24:1-12

The Resurrection

24 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

Reflections by Jaymee Kim

I had always gone to church since I was a child, knew the Bible stories, but never understood it beyond a Sunday routine. My favourite part of church was having friends.

In my teens, I began facing challenges with school, friendships, and my identity. On top of that, my family and I moved churches, and with those friendships stripped away, I felt vulnerable and alone. Time and again, I found myself overwhelmed and stuck, but this led me to seek comfort in God. After a couple of years of "getting through it," I attended my first SOW camp, which led me to HCC. At HCC, I experienced discipleship and accountability for the first time from sisters who met with me weekly to help me understand God’s word. The struggles I faced still existed, but through their guidance, patience, and love, I began to see God’s love and grace in a deeper way. Understanding the costly grace of Jesus’ death and resurrection, I began to see how I could look to Him. I realised I didn’t have to carry my burdens alone and could surrender to Him, knowing He had already overcome everything for me.

What jumps out at you from this reading?

Even though Jesus had told the women what events would take place. They still entered the tomb expecting to see the body, and were perplexed when it wasn’t there. 

In this passage the word “remember” appears twice, firstly when the angels remind the women of what Jesus had told them (V6). And secondly, when the Women “remembered” his words (V8). 

Jesus spent much of his time on earth reminding his disciples of these events, yet they still believed it was an “idle tale” when the time came (V11). The response of the women and the disciples is an all too real reminder of our own struggles to believe in our uncertainties, but also highlights the grace of God that gently reminds us of His promises and helps us to trust in His power and faithfulness, even when we are slow to understand or believe.

What questions does this reading raise for you?
If I were in the place of the women, how would I have reacted? After being reminded by the angels, would I have been as quick to remember and eager to share as the women did? It does make me reflect on how fickle and sight based my own faith can often be, and why faith is never our own doing but of God and his timing.

What do you think the writer is urging his readers to believe or do?

I think it is reminding readers that God indeed keeps his promises, and everything he had foretold was indeed real! And despite the uncertainty that we face, that we can trust in a sovereign God who is so much more than our own plans. But also that in our uncertainties God doesn’t neglect us, but urges us to reflect and remember who he is.

What in this reading would you talk about with a friend and why?

That this wasn’t just a story or a historical event, but Jesus fulfilling His divine plan makes it possible for believers today to rejoice and hope in eternal life, restoration, and the transformative power of His love and sacrifice.