Luke 24:22 – “In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus recount the events surrounding the discovery of the empty tomb. They mention that some women from their group had visited the tomb that morning and found it empty. Their mention of the women’s report reflects both amazement and confusion. While the empty tomb should have been a sign of hope and joy, the disciples weren’t sure what to make of it. Their initial reaction was one of uncertainty, showing that they had not yet fully grasped the reality of Jesus’ resurrection.
At this point, the disciples are sharing this as part of the larger story of their disappointment. Although they are amazed by the women’s report, they haven’t connected it to Jesus’ promise that He would rise on the third day. Their limited understanding reflects the struggle of many of Jesus’ followers to believe the resurrection was real.
Historical Context
Women played a key role in the resurrection narrative, as they were the first to discover the empty tomb and share the news with the disciples. This is significant because, in Jewish society at the time, women’s testimony was often considered unreliable in legal matters. Yet, God chose them to be the first witnesses of the resurrection, which highlights the importance of their role in His plan (Luke 24:1-10, Matthew 28:1-10).
The fact that the women visited the tomb “early in the morning” shows their devotion to Jesus. They had intended to anoint His body with spices, a common burial custom. Instead, they encountered angels who told them that Jesus had risen. Despite this miraculous announcement, many of the male disciples, including these two on the road to Emmaus, were hesitant to believe the women’s testimony.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals an important truth about faith: even when confronted with evidence of God’s power, people can still struggle to believe. The disciples had heard Jesus predict His resurrection multiple times, but their grief and confusion clouded their understanding. Their amazement at the women’s report shows that they found it hard to reconcile what they knew about death with the idea that Jesus had truly risen.
It also highlights God’s pattern of using unexpected people to carry His message. The fact that women were the first to witness and proclaim the resurrection reflects God’s tendency to work through those whom society often overlooks. This reminds believers that God values all people and can use anyone to accomplish His purposes.
Additionally, the disciples’ struggle to believe the women’s testimony mirrors the broader struggle many have with faith. Believing in the resurrection isn’t just about accepting historical evidence—it requires trusting in God’s power and promises.
Literary Analysis
Luke uses the disciples’ mention of the women’s report to build suspense and tension in the narrative. The readers already know that Jesus is alive, but the disciples do not, creating dramatic irony. Their amazement adds to the emotional weight of the story as they struggle to make sense of the empty tomb.
The word “amazed” suggests a mix of wonder, confusion, and disbelief. It shows that the report of the empty tomb had an emotional impact on the disciples, but it hadn’t yet transformed their understanding or restored their hope. Luke’s use of this word reflects the human tendency to be awestruck by God’s works while still wrestling with doubt.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 24:1-10 – The women discover the empty tomb and are told by angels that Jesus has risen.
- Mark 16:1-8 – The women bring spices to anoint Jesus’ body and are greeted by an angel who tells them He has risen.
- Matthew 28:5-6 – The angel tells the women not to be afraid and announces that Jesus has risen.
- John 20:11-18 – Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus but initially doesn’t recognize Him.
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Paul affirms the resurrection as a core truth of the gospel, according to the Scriptures.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse serves as a reminder that faith often involves a process of growth. Like the disciples, Christians may experience moments of amazement at God’s work but still struggle to fully believe or understand what He is doing. Faith requires trusting in God’s promises even when circumstances are unclear.
It also encourages believers to take seriously the testimony of others, especially when it aligns with God’s Word. The disciples initially dismissed the women’s report because of societal biases and their own doubts. Today, believers are called to be open to how God speaks through others and to test all things according to Scripture.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in how He reveals the truth of the resurrection gradually, meeting people where they are in their doubts and confusion. Instead of overwhelming the disciples with immediate understanding, God patiently walks them through the process of recognizing the truth. Jesus’ eventual appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus shows that God is willing to meet His followers in their struggles and guide them gently toward faith.
God’s love is also shown in His inclusion of women as the first witnesses of the resurrection. By doing this, God demonstrates that His love is not limited by human cultural expectations—He values and works through all people, regardless of status or gender.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to the central truth of the Christian faith: Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples were amazed by the empty tomb, but they hadn’t yet connected it to the fulfillment of Jesus’ promises. Their journey on the road to Emmaus is a metaphor for the process of coming to know Christ fully—not just as a great teacher or prophet but as the risen Savior who conquered death.
Jesus’ resurrection validates His identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (Isaiah 53, Psalm 16:10). Without the resurrection, the crucifixion would have been a tragic ending, but because Jesus rose, believers have the assurance of eternal life (John 11:25-26).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the disciples were amazed by the women’s report but still struggled to believe it?
- Have you ever experienced a time when you saw evidence of God’s work but still found it hard to fully trust Him?
- What does this verse teach you about the role of others in sharing the good news of Jesus?
- How can you grow in trusting God’s promises, even when His work isn’t immediately clear?
- How does the resurrection give you hope and confidence in your faith today?