April 9, 2026 – Daily Devotional
“…Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, he has risen.” -Luke 24:5
The Gospel of Luke records three post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. The first appearance is to the women at the tomb. The next one is on the road to Emmaus, and the other is to the disciples. These stories tell us that death is not the end of the story. In reading the final chapter of Luke, we are reminded that the cross is not the final part of the life of Jesus. Death has not overcome him. The darkness has not put out the light. He is alive.
Luke records that the women go to the tomb early in the morning after Jesus’ death. They were going to care for Jesus’ body. When they arrived, they found the stone that covered the tomb rolled away. They immediately started looking for Jesus’ body. The tomb was empty. The women look all around, trying to find Jesus. Suddenly, two angels appear and ask them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” They boldly proclaim, “He is not here, he has risen.”
The women were shocked. They had witnessed the brutality of the crucifixion and saw the lifeless body of Jesus taken down from the cross. That moment seemed so final. But as they stood amongst the tombs filled with lifeless bones, the angels proclaimed, “He has risen.”
I can only imagine how their minds raced in that moment. Did they remember the story of how the angel appeared to the shepherds and proclaimed the arrival of God’s son on earth? (Luke 2:8-14) Did they recall how Jesus himself told them that he must suffer but would return? (Luke 9:21-22) Why did they forget? Amid death, Jesus proclaimed life and resurrection. He even said of himself, “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)
It is easy for the challenges of life to overcome our memories. It is understandable that trials and hardships will change our perspective. This is why we must work to strengthen our faith. We do this by immersing ourselves in the stories of our faith. Luke dedicates this entire chapter of his Gospel to reminding us that nothing can separate us from Christ Jesus, our Lord, not even death.
I want to encourage you today to take a moment and read the 24th chapter of Luke. Be reminded that Christ is risen. This is the moment that changed history. It changed our story. The resurrection of Jesus allows us to live with strength for today and great hope for tomorrow. Today, we remember and celebrate that He lives!
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
