Luke 24:1-8

v. 1-8 "On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  In their fright the women bowed down with 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; He has risen!  Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee:  The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'  Then they remembered His words."

Early in the morning the women took the spices to take care of Jesus' body.  Their hearts were still broken yet they got up and did what they needed to do.  I can't imagine the scene as they came upon the tomb and the stone had been rolled away.  The stones used in front of tombs were massive slabs of rock so it would have been surprising to see it moved.  They entered the tomb to find it empty and angels appeared to give them the good news.  The angels asked why they were looking for the living among the dead.  This is different from other world religions, Jesus was alive after death.  The resurrection is the core of Christianity.  There are many different denominations who vary on beliefs and theology.  I like how Beth Moore says that there are rib issues and spine issues.  The rib issues aren't that important and you could still live if a rib was broken (when to baptize, thoughts on Revelations, etc), but spine issues are those that are vital to Christianity and would affect your life greatly (Jesus was the son of God, Jesus rose from the dead, He will come back again, etc).

With Jesus' resurrection:

• it had begun, our salvation from sin
• death had been conquered
• heaven and earth collided
• we have authority to spread the Good News
• we can find meaning in great tragedy
• we have hope for the future
• Jesus is alive and well

The bible is not just an ancient book, it is alive and it shows us how to live our lives right now.  The sadness from the previous days had been replaced with joy.  Jesus had risen from the dead and the first to hear the Good News were women.  Don't let anyone tell you that women can't preach!  The news was brought to the ones who could never stand up to preach in synagogues.  How much more should we rejoice to have a King who is alive.  Going to church should not be like going to a memorial service.  Christians are supposed to be filled with joy because He lives in us.  Many today don't shine His light, they are consumed with the cares of this world.  The angels pointed out that Jesus told them what would happen to Him.  He didn't just tell the disciples, He made sure the women knew what would happen.