September 14, 2026 · Mark Bishop

Hope Is Found

“While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words,”
Luke 24:4-8 →

## Is He Really Dead?

There are several claims that try to take away the miracle of the Resurrection and insert something that would make sense to us, such as stealing the body of Jesus. I couldn't count how many books are written about this, so I won't take time to get into much of the details but it's hard to ignore what is being said at the beginning of this chapter. Going back to a previous devotional (A Strange Witness, based on Luke 23:47-49), I spoke about the Roman guard’s authority stating after Jesus died that He was the Son of God. The Roman guard acknowledged it was Jesus on the cross and that He had died. It was his job to make sure everything was done properly, especially given the potential riots that could take place. Fast forward to this moment when the ladies visit the tomb with spices. The ladies visiting the tomb were no doubt sorrowful, especially Jesus' own mother. A woman visiting her son's grave, and bringing spices for the specific reason to anoint the body tells us those close to Jesus knew He was dead and placed in the tomb. In verse 4, we see they were "perplexed", meaning they were at a loss for words at the sight that the stone at the tomb was rolled away and nobody was there. Then we find the word "Behold" which tells us to pay close attention and examine what is happening. Luke records two men (we know they were angels based on their appearance and the other Gospel

writings) showed themselves and reminded them there is hope beyond"He is not here, but he has risen." They were reminded of the words He had spoken and then they remembered.

## Self-Check

## Are you losing hope today?

Are you fitting your life within the walls of what you see or by faith in His Word? Sometimes we need to be reminded of His promises to us as individuals, as a family, and as believers. Get into His Word and believe. You may be going through a sorrowful moment, but remember... He Is Not Here, He Is Risen! That means our hope is still alive!

## God's Eye View