Luke 24:23

but they did not find His body. They came and told us they had seen a vision of angels, who said that Jesus was alive.

Study Bible

but they did not find His body
The phrase "but they did not find His body" is a pivotal moment in the resurrection narrative. The Greek word for "find" is "εὗρον" (heurisko), which implies a diligent search. The women who went to the tomb were expecting to find Jesus' body, as was customary for anointing with spices. The absence of the body is significant, as it sets the stage for the revelation of the resurrection. Historically, the empty tomb is a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming the truth of Jesus' victory over death. Theologically, this absence challenges the disciples and all believers to move from doubt to faith, trusting in the promises of Christ.

They came and told us
The phrase "They came and told us" highlights the role of the women as the first witnesses to the resurrection. In the cultural context of the time, women were not considered reliable witnesses in legal matters, yet God chose them to be the first to proclaim the resurrection. This choice underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel and the breaking of societal norms. The Greek verb "ἀπήγγειλαν" (apaggello) means to announce or report, indicating the urgency and importance of their message. This act of sharing the news is a model for evangelism, emphasizing the responsibility of believers to share the good news of Christ's resurrection.

they had seen a vision of angels
The phrase "they had seen a vision of angels" introduces the supernatural element of the resurrection account. The Greek word for "vision" is "ὀπτασία" (optasia), which can mean a supernatural appearance. Angels, as messengers of God, play a crucial role in biblical narratives, often appearing at significant moments to deliver divine messages. The presence of angels at the tomb serves to authenticate the resurrection and provide divine confirmation of Jesus' victory over death. This vision challenges the natural understanding and invites believers to embrace the miraculous nature of God's work.

who said He was alive
The phrase "who said He was alive" is the climactic declaration of the resurrection. The Greek word for "alive" is "ζῶντα" (zonta), which signifies life in its fullest sense. This declaration is the foundation of Christian hope and faith, affirming that Jesus has conquered death and offers eternal life to all who believe. Theologically, this statement fulfills Jesus' own predictions of His resurrection and validates His identity as the Son of God. Historically, the resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian doctrine, providing assurance of salvation and the promise of eternal life. This truth calls believers to live in the power of the resurrection, transformed by the reality of the risen Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Women at the Tomb
These were the first witnesses to the empty tomb. They had gone to anoint Jesus' body but found the tomb empty.

2. The Empty Tomb
The place where Jesus was laid after His crucifixion, now found empty by the women, signifying His resurrection.

3. The Angels
Heavenly messengers who appeared to the women, delivering the message that Jesus had risen from the dead.

4. The Disciples
The followers of Jesus who were informed by the women about the empty tomb and the angelic vision.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place, central to the account of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Teaching Points

The Reality of the Resurrection
The empty tomb and the angelic message confirm the truth of Jesus' resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith.

The Role of Women in the Resurrection Narrative
Women were the first to witness and proclaim the resurrection, highlighting their important role in God's plan.

Faith in the Unseen
The disciples had to believe the women's report and the angelic vision without seeing Jesus themselves, teaching us to trust in God's promises even when we cannot see.

The Importance of Witnessing
Just as the women shared the news of the resurrection, we are called to be witnesses of Christ's resurrection in our lives.

Hope in the Resurrection
The resurrection assures us of victory over death and the promise of eternal life, providing hope and encouragement in our daily walk.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the empty tomb challenge or strengthen your faith in the resurrection of Jesus?

2. In what ways can we be like the women at the tomb, sharing the message of Jesus' resurrection in our communities?

3. How do the accounts of the resurrection in the different Gospels complement each other to provide a fuller understanding of this event?

4. What role does faith play when we encounter situations where we cannot see the outcome, similar to the disciples' initial reaction to the women's report?

5. How does the hope of the resurrection influence your perspective on life and death, and how can it impact your daily decisions and actions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 28:5-7
This passage also describes the angelic announcement of Jesus' resurrection to the women at the tomb, reinforcing the message of Luke 24:23.

Mark 16:6-7
Similar to Luke, Mark records the angelic message to the women, emphasizing the resurrection and the instruction to tell the disciples.

John 20:12-13
John's account provides additional details about the angels at the tomb, offering a fuller picture of the resurrection event.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Paul summarizes the gospel message, including the resurrection, which is foundational to Christian faith and echoes the events of Luke 24:23.