What Jesus Did! 'Then They Remembered!' — Luke 24:1-8

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

But very early on Sunday morning the women went to [Jesus'] tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, "Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day."

Then they remembered that he had said this.

— Luke 24:1-8 NLT

Key Thought

Don't you just love "the women" and their example of faithfulness? Their faithful commitment to the Lord enabled them to discover God's incredible miracle with Jesus — they were the first to learn of his resurrection! However, the most powerful insight in this passage to me is the simple sentence at the end: "Then they remembered that he had said this." Jesus' resurrection changes everything. One of the most important areas of change, however, was in the memory of his most faithful disciples. After the resurrection, things Jesus had said in his ministry came flooding back into their minds with understanding, excitement, and conviction. Promises that seemed obscure were suddenly made clear. Prophetic words that seemed undiscoverable were uncovered and seen in their full glory. Their insight is to be our insight as well. All of Jesus' ministry, his healing, and his teaching can now be more fully understood on this side of the resurrection. As we approach the end of this year's journey through the Gospel of Luke, let's be reminded that Jesus' actions and words were validated and empowered by the resurrection.

Today's Prayer

Father, as I study your Son's life on earth, please never let me forget that he died for my sins and was raised back to life with power. Help me feel the conviction that his promises are true, his teaching is proven, and his service is worth my emulation because it is demonstrated to be the way that we should live our lives here and the way that leads to eternal life. In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 1:2-4
  • 2 Corinthians 1:18-20
  • John 2:18-22

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 24:1-8 NLT — "Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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