NOTES for Luk 24:1-12

On the morning of the Resurrection, women were the first to come to the tomb. It is thought that, according to the customs of that time, women were less likely than men to face reprisals for showing sympathy toward an executed man, and therefore they were not afraid to come to His grave. Even if this was so, let us not use it as grounds for diminishing the measure of their love and devotion to the Teacher. There is a strength that is open, immediately visible, and indisputable, but there is also another strength, manifested in apparent weakness. Many times the “weaker” sex has proved strong precisely in situations that required this kind of strength, made perfect in weakness.

But the manifest strength required of a man is not rejected either. We see Peter, who has overcome his temporary apostasy, and we recognize once again his character, his determination, and his impetuosity. His strength returns to him.

Opponents of Christianity call it a religion of the weak. No, Christianity makes the weak strong and is itself a source of strength. But this is not the kind of strength that, like a bodybuilder, displays bulging muscles. The strength of faith is not immediately noticeable and is often overlooked. It never occurred to Goliath either that he would be defeated by the modest young David, who did not possess a warrior's mighty physique.