And having returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. And they were the Magdalene Mary and Joanna and Mary, the mother of James, and the rest of the women with them. They were telling these things to the apostles, but these words appeared before them as nonsense, and they were not believing them.
Luke 24:9-11
These blessed women are vital in Christianity. They were the first evangelists, as they are the first to announce the Resurrection of Jesus. They had followed Him with their own finances (Luke 8:3) and watched the crucifixion (Luke 23:49). Now, they who were the first to view the empty tomb and hear the angels' proclamation that Jesus is risen. Subsequently, they repeat this amazing news to the apostles. The grammar here of "they were telling" suggests that this telling was being repeated to the apostles.
The apostles' reaction? Nonsense! The Greek word for "nonsense" (leros) has a ring of male superiority in it, and it forms the basis for our English word "delirious." In any case, these apostles were not buying into any resurrection account, at least not yet. They have not been blessed by the Holy Spirit to incorporate these events of crucifixion and resurrection into God's plan of salvation, although Jesus had repeatedly taught them this.
No one can incorporate the historical facts and spiritual significance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus for the sins of the world without the Spirit of God providing the understanding, acceptance and faith in them. The Apostle Paul teaches this in 1 Corinthians 1 and 2. Martin Luther taught this same essential in his explanation of the Third Article of the Creed: "I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith."
Thanks be to God that He enlightened the apostles to come to faith in the Resurrection. They bravely turned the world upside down then with their preaching of Jesus crucified and raised for the forgiveness of sins.
And we, who have also been enlightened by this same Gospel to believe in the cross and empty tomb for our eternal life, continue to tell the Good News of the Lord's death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins till His return. So, we continually pray that the Spirit would open the spiritual ears and eyes of unbelievers to join us as Jesus' blessed people.
Christ has triumphed! He is living! Alleluia!
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