Friday, April 25’s devotional. The women ran back from the tomb, breathless with joy and urgency. Luke tells us, “Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest” (Luke 24:9, CSB). But their excitement met a wall of disbelief. Mark Penrith observes, “The women wouldn’t have been considered reliable witnesses… This is consistent with Luke’s other use of unreliable witnesses.” The apostles, though they had walked closely with Jesus, struggled to accept this astounding report.
“But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women” (Luke 24:11, CSB). Mark points out that “in Luke 24:1-12, the women report everything to the apostles, who think these words seem like nonsense, and they do not believe.” The empty tomb demands a decision. For the Eleven, the first response was skepticism.
And yet, even in the midst of that doubt, one heart stirred. Luke writes, “Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened” (Luke 24:12, CSB). Peter’s response was different. Mark reflects, “Peter saw, and was amazed,” emphasizing that marvel—not full understanding, but wonder—was the seed of dawning faith.
This divided response still echoes today. Some hear the message of the resurrection and dismiss it as implausible or irrelevant. Others lean in, stirred with curiosity and awe. Mark reminds us, “The fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy… confronts the skeptic with wonder.” Jesus does not reject doubters. He welcomes them. He doesn’t scorn questions; He answers them with truth and grace.
How are you responding to the resurrection: with skepticism or with wonder? Jesus still turns confusion into clarity, doubt into faith. John 20:29 records His words to Thomas: “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (CSB).
Bring your doubts honestly to Jesus. Let His Word and His empty tomb draw you into wonder.
Lord Jesus, meet us in our unbelief. Stir our hearts to seek You, to see the truth of Your resurrection, and to marvel. Turn our doubts into worship. Amen.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.