We often hear about humans rescued alive after being trapped for many days underneath split rocks from volcanic eruptions or collapsed buildings. Details of these kind of occurrences are often on display on TV or social media platforms.

I have also heard of great prophets who perform great feats of raising dead people to life!

So as I read the Bible’s account of Peter’s reaction to the testimony of the resurrection of a man he watched killed and buried as narrated by Joanna, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and the ‘other women’ in Luke 24: 1-12, I can identify with Peter’s confusion. (I am careful not to call it Peter’s unbelief!).

The other disciples didn’t exercise as much control as Peter, …no, they didn’t. And I have to agree with their judgment of the women’s display of excitement or ‘madness’

Let’s paint a rather practical picture here… Imagine that you witnessed the gruesome murder of your spiritual leader. And while you and other of his followers were still making efforts to come to terms with his death, someone storms into your mourning room and announces that your leader is alive and has been seen!

I bet you, 3 kinds of feelings will rush through your entire frame at once; fear (that a ghost may be lurking around), some uncertain and cautious excitement (while you ascertain the mental state of the news bearer), and confusion (if you ever had the slightest inclination he may not have actually died). The disciples of Jesus displayed all 3 reactions. Those that felt the women had lost it, were right. It all seemed like an idle tale and only a self-righteous being would fault their unbelief.

Jesus died, was buried and they saw it! Period!

But I cannot stop wondering why the 2 Marys and Joanna were easily convinced of a resurrection. Did they remember Lazarus’s resurrection or did the sight of the angels help their acceptance of a resurrected Christ?….

In his confusion, Peter made his way to the tomb. Was he hoping to see the angels too? Likely! But he got to the tomb too late; the angels were gone! The only link he could make to Jesus’ body and the empty tomb he stared at was a familiar linen. He’d seen his master wrapped and buried in it, yet, Peter still walked away marveling and wondering at the same time.

Something that stood out for me as I read the Bible’s account of this event…

The tomb was empty when the women got there, and remained empty till Peter got his peep of it. So all the display of bewilderment, confusion, unbelief or excitement by the apostles did NOT change the reality that the tomb was empty!

“Our belief or unbelief does not change the reality of God, but determines our experience of Him“-Grace Obomanu

And just like the 2 Marys, Joanna and the ‘other women’, I bring you glad tidings…..

He is Risen! The Tomb is Still empty….

Do you believe or does it still seem like an idle tale?