These words seemed to them to be nonsense, and they didn’t believe them.
Luke 24:11
Luke 24 [8.] They remembered his words, returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest. Now they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them told these things to the apostles. These words seemed to them to be nonsense, and they didn’t believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping and looking in, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering what had happened.
Meaning:
- Disbelief Because of Joy:
Overwhelming Emotions: The disciples' initial reaction to the news of Jesus' resurrection is described as disbelief because of joy. This paradoxical combination of emotions illustrates the overwhelming nature of the moment. The joy of witnessing the resurrection is so profound that it defies immediate comprehension.
Emotional Rollercoaster: The disciples had experienced the anguish of witnessing Jesus' crucifixion, followed by the bewilderment of an empty tomb. The sudden shift to joy in the face of resurrection is so profound that it creates a state of disbelief, underscoring the unprecedented nature of the event.
- Wondering and Questioning:
Contemplative Response: In the face of this overwhelming joy, the disciples find themselves in a state of wondering. Their minds are grappling with the enormity of the resurrection, and they are processing the implications of this miraculous event.
Transformative Encounter: The disciples' response reflects the transformative impact of encountering the risen Christ. The resurrection disrupts their preconceived notions and opens up a realm of wonder and questioning, inviting them into a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan.
- Request for Tangibility:
Jesus' Practical Inquiry: Amidst the disciples' state of disbelief and wonder, Jesus makes a practical inquiry—"Do you have anything here to eat?" This simple question serves as a bridge between the miraculous and the ordinary, emphasizing the reality of Jesus' bodily resurrection.
Affirmation of Physical Resurrection: Jesus' request for food is a tangible demonstration of his physical presence. It affirms the reality of his resurrection, countering any lingering doubts and reinforcing the continuity between his pre-resurrection and post-resurrection existence.
Practical Application:
Embracing the Reality of Resurrection: Luke 24:11 invites believers to embrace the reality of Jesus' resurrection in their own lives. It challenges us to move beyond intellectual assent to the resurrection and engage with the profound joy and wonder that come from recognizing the transformative power of Christ's victory over death.
Continuity and Transformation: The disciples' journey from disbelief to joy is a metaphor for our own spiritual journey. It reminds us that encounters with the risen Christ bring about a transformative joy that transcends circumstances, challenging us to live in the reality of resurrection power.
Cross-References:
John 20:20: "When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord." This parallel passage from John provides additional details about the disciples' response to seeing the risen Jesus. The visual confirmation of Jesus' wounds contributes to their joy and belief.
Luke 24:41-43: In the subsequent verses of the same chapter, Jesus further emphasizes the reality of his resurrection by eating a piece of broiled fish in the presence of the disciples. This act serves as a concrete demonstration of his physical existence.
In conclusion, Luke 24:11 captures a pivotal moment in the resurrection narrative, portraying the disciples' initial disbelief giving way to overwhelming joy and wonder. Jesus' practical inquiry about food serves as a touchpoint for the tangible reality of his resurrection. As we reflect on this verse, may we, too, experience the transformative joy that comes from encountering the risen Christ and embrace the reality of resurrection in our lives.
innocent - truth
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible