The sky is still gray, dawn has not yet touched the horizon, and a group of women make their way to the sepulcher of Jesus of Nazareth, a prophet, a preacher, and, some said, the prophesied Messiah. It has been three days since Jesus died, and these women wish to anoint His body with oil. A stone has been placed at the entrance of his tomb, and guards have been stationed to watch the body.
The women are likely hopeful the guards will have pity and will allow them access to their Lord to perform one final act of service. Clutching oil and spices, they make their way to the tomb but when they reach the end of the path the group is surprised. The guards are gone, and the stone is rolled away from the sepulcher’s mouth.
It is likely you are familiar with this story. You know the tomb will be empty of the body of Jesus because He is risen. It is a glorious and miraculous account, and yet it can provoke many responses in people today. In fact, Christ’s resurrection has been provoking different reactions in people from the moment He arose.
Look at Mary of Magdalene, one of the women who came to anoint Christ’s body and the first person recorded to have seen Him alive. As she wept at the tomb, Jesus appeared unto her and asked her why she wept and whom she sought. Not recognizing Him, Mary responded by asking Him where He had moved the body of Jesus. It is at this point that Jesus simply speaks Mary’s name. The Bible records Mary’s response:
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself and saith unto him, Rabboni, which is to say, Master. (John 20:16)
What joy and love must that single word have held when Mary spoke it? Master—one word and yet also a statement, simultaneously acknowledging Christ’s identity and His Lordship in her life. Mary did not question the probability of Christ having risen from the dead; she simply accepted it.
It was later that day that Christ made Himself known to His disciples. He appeared in the middle of them in a closed-off room where they had been hiding in fear of persecution and comforted them.
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (John 20:19)
The scripture says that the disciples were glad when they saw their Lord. The disciples rejoiced at the resurrection of Christ.
Still, there was one disciple that was not present for this joyful reunion with their Master. Thomas was not in the room with the other disciples when Christ appeared to his men. Not only was he not there, but Thomas refused to believe the eyewitness testimony of the others who were, stating:
“Except I shall see in his hands the prints of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. “
Eight days later, Jesus appeared before Thomas and invited him to do those very things. It was only on seeing Jesus that Thomas finally believed and claimed Jesus as both his Lord and God. Thomas’ response to Christ’s resurrection was to doubt it and demand proof. This is a relatable response for many, but look at John 20:29:
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
This scripture is for us today, those who read this blessed account in scripture and have faith to believe that Christ died for the sin of the world and rose again.
Oh, that our response to Christ’s resurrection would be one of total acceptance, like Mary, that we would rejoice like the disciples that Christ has risen from the dead, and that all who doubt the truth of His Resurrection would cast off their doubt like Thomas and claim Jesus as their Lord and God.
If you have never personally accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of your life, please click here for the Bible Way to Heaven to learn more.