“Why do you look for the living among the dead?” I wish Luke’s gospel told us just how they asked this question. I wonder if the two men in dazzling clothes at the empty tomb scolded the women for showing up at the tomb or if they were teasing them with this question. They have come to the logical place to visit his body. Where else would the followers expect to find Jesus? Just a few days before, they saw him executed and laid there. It’s a reasonable expectation, and Jesus’ followers haven’t yet learned to think beyond reasonable expectations as they remember Jesus and consider what he told them. But soon they will.
Easter Sunday is only the start of the resurrection story. Here in Luke’s gospel, Jesus is risen, but the followers haven’t seen him yet. There is more to come. The story continues and we explore the times where the followers encounter Jesus. In the midst of their shock and horror and confusion, Jesus reassures them and reminds them of what he taught and did. Jesus reiterates what he calls them to do and be.
Plus, there is even more to the story after the gospel stories end. God continues bringing new life and hope into places that seem to be filled only with misery, failure, and death. God shows up where we followers don’t expect throughout the centuries, across the globe, here today, and into tomorrow. God brings transformation and new beginnings. Jesus’ resurrection is just the start.
Happy Easter and Peace,