What role did the women play in spreading the resurrection news in Luke 24:9? Setting the Scene Luke 24:9: “And when they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.” Who Were These Women? • Luke 24:10 lists them: “It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them.” • These faithful women had followed Jesus from Galilee (Luke 23:55-56). • They came early to the tomb with spices, expecting to honor a dead body—but encountered an empty tomb and angelic messengers instead (Luke 24:1-8). What Exactly Did They Do? • Obeyed immediately: “They returned from the tomb” (v. 9). • Became the first human heralds of the resurrection: “they reported all these things.” • Spoke to the right audience: “to the Eleven and to all the others,” ensuring the core leadership heard the news firsthand. • Communicated the full story: the rolled-away stone, the missing body, the angelic announcement, and the reminder of Jesus’ own words (vv. 6-8). The Significance of Their Role • First witnesses: God entrusted the inaugural proclamation of the risen Christ to women, underscoring His sovereign choice (cf. Matthew 28:8-10; John 20:18). • Fulfilled Scripture: Their testimony aligns with Psalm 68:11—“The Lord gives the command; the women who proclaim the good news are a great host.” • Challenged cultural norms: In a society where female testimony was often discounted, God validated their word by embedding it in inspired Scripture. • Sparked further investigation: Their report prompted Peter and John to run to the tomb (Luke 24:12; John 20:2-4). • Laid a foundation for apostolic preaching: The eventual public proclamation in Acts 2 stands on the private witness first shared by these women. Lessons for Believers Today • Obedience precedes influence—simple, immediate faithfulness opens doors to unimaginable impact. • God uses willing hearts, not social standing, to advance the gospel. • The resurrection message remains the centerpiece of Christian witness (1 Corinthians 15:3-4); like those women, we are called to report “all these things” without delay or embellishment. |
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