Remember.
In Luke 24:5-10 we are told that the faithful women who journeyed with Jesus and also had seen him die on the cross came to the tomb to lay spices on Jesus’ dead body.
When they did not see Jesus’ body and instead saw two men in dazzling clothes, “the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them,
‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. REMEMBER….’”
These women are invited to pause at an empty tomb and connect the past, present and future by remembering…
“…REMEMBER how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to the hands of sinners and be crucified and on the third day rise again.”
Then they REMEMBERED!
“…They remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest.”
Isn’t this something?!
Angels appeared to faithful women in their grief and sorrow to say “Remember the words Jesus told you.”
And they remembered that Jesus had said many times that the Messiah must suffer and die to rise to new life on the third day. They remembered – because they had heard Jesus speak – many times I believe.
Angels appeared to women, often unseen in their society, to say “go tell others what you remember and see.” This remembering is too good to keep to yourself.
Do you remember words that you’ve heard from Jesus along your journey? Do you remember words of… “you are not alone”, “I am with you”, “ I love you, courageous one.”
These words are not from a man who died long ago, but from one who is ALIVE now and forever because death could not hold him. And, because He lives, you live!
When we gather we faithfully say, “Yes” Jesus is the Risen Lord.
When we gather we proclaim and REMEMBER how much Jesus was for All people. Women were not considered ones who could learn from a Rabbi. Yet, Jesus, ignored that cultural view because Jesus did not seem much concerned about who society said was “in and out”. He gave a message that was for “all people.” Just as the angels said from the sky at his birth: “Good news for ALL people,” Jesus’ life ministry reached out to ALL people.
Do you feel excluded at times or often? Are you aware of people who feel excluded?
When we gather in the name of Jesus to worship – we gather in a radically welcoming space – where all people are included, valued, and seen!
Let’s remember the words of the now Risen Jesus: “I came that they might have life and have it abundantly,” John 10:10
As people who remember our Risen Lord is for all people, to whom are you invited to bring this message of hope?
Remember! Renée Notkin. April 2025