Luke 24:1-3
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "at early dawn" or "deep dawn" signifies that these women came to the tomb while it was still dark, highlighting the depth of their grief and the unexpectedness of the resurrection they were about to encounter. Their preparation of spices wasn't for a joyous reunion, but rather a last act of love for a deceased loved one, underscoring their profound shock and lack of expectation for the events that would unfold.
After Jesus was crucified and buried, His devoted female followers observed the Sabbath rest. As soon as the Sabbath ended, they went to the tomb very early the next morning, bringing spices to anoint Jesus' body, fully expecting to find Him still deceased.
These women came with spices, ready to care for Jesus' body. But what did this act reveal about their hearts?
The women's preparation of spices for Jesus' burial wasn't just about following custom; it was a profound expression of their love and devotion.
A Labor of Love
Their actions, as described by Luke, show a deep commitment. They had 'prepared' these spices, indicating foresight and care. This wasn't a spontaneous decision made in shock, but a planned act.
Unintended Testimony
Yet, this very act of preparing spices for embalming unintentionally testifies to something crucial: they had no expectation of Jesus' resurrection. Their efforts to preserve a dead body reveal a faith still bound by the reality of death, not yet illuminated by the promise of new life. It highlights how even sincere devotion can be blind to God's unfolding plan.
The day is described as 'early dawn,' 'deep dawn,' and 'while it was yet dark.' What's the significance of this timing?
The timing of the women's visit to the tomb on the first day of the week, 'at early dawn,' is packed with meaning.
The First Lord's Day
This marks the very beginning of a new era. The Sabbath, the day of rest under the old covenant, had passed over Jesus' grave. Now, this 'first day of the week' (later known as the Lord's Day) becomes the pivotal day, signifying the start of God's new creation through Christ's resurrection.
Emerging from Darkness
The descriptions like 'early dawn' and 'while it was yet dark' are not just literal. They paint a picture of the disciples' spiritual state. They were still in the darkness of grief and confusion, their hopes seemingly buried with Jesus. Yet, they are moving towards the light, driven by love, even before the full dawn of understanding breaks.
A Promise of Light
Understand the original words
sabbaton · Greek Noun
The period of twenty-four hours beginning at sunset; in this context, it refers to the third day after the crucifixion, marking the day of resurrection.
mnēmeion · Greek Noun
A place of burial; symbolically, in the New Testament, it represents the place of death where the power of the grave was defeated by Christ.
arōmata · Greek Noun
Aromatic substances used for embalming or honoring the dead, reflecting the devotion of the followers of Jesus and their expectation of death rather than resurrection.
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title for Jesus Christ, denoting His authority, divinity, and sovereignty over all creation, and specifically His rightful position as King and Savior.
The women's journey to the tomb with spices, driven by love and grief, highlights their expectation of finding a dead Messiah. Their mission, born from a misunderstanding of Jesus' words, unexpectedly leads them to the first announcement of His resurrection, revealing God's surprising way of using even flawed human efforts to bring about His ultimate purpose.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus is crucified under Pontius Pilate and buried in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea just before the Sabbath. The women who followed Jesus from Galilee witness his burial.
c. 30-33 AD
Sabbath Observance
Following Jewish law, all mourning and preparations cease for the Sabbath day. The disciples, including the women, rest and observe the Sabbath, with their grief and hopes seemingly buried with Jesus.
c. 30-33 AD
Women Prepare Spices
After the Sabbath ends at sunset, and before the first light of the next day, the women purchase and prepare additional spices and ointments for embalming Jesus' body, indicating their lack of expectation for a resurrection.
c. 30-33 AD
Visit to the Empty Tomb
On the first day of the week, at the first light of dawn, the women arrive at the tomb to anoint Jesus' body, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
This passage describes Mary Magdalene going to the tomb at the same early hour, highlighting the initial discovery of the empty tomb and setting the scene for the events that follow.
Mark 16:1-2This passage complements Luke's account by specifying the spices bought after the Sabbath and mentioning other women who joined the expedition, reinforcing the women's devotion and the early morning timing.
This verse immediately precedes Luke 24:1, explaining that the women who followed Jesus from Galilee had observed the women preparing spices and rested on the Sabbath, providing the context for their actions on Sunday morning.
Similar to Luke, Matthew also points to the 'first day of the week' and the visit to the tomb, adding Mary, the mother of James, to the group and emphasizing the earthquake and angelic appearance.
vincentLuke 24:1: "Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them."
Very early in the morning (ὄρθρου βαθέως)Lit., at deep dawn, or the dawn being deep. It is not uncommon in Greek to find βαθύς, deep, used of time; as deep or late evening. Plutarch says of Alexander, that he supped "at deep evening;" i.e., late at night. Philo says that the Hebrews crossed the Red Sea "about dee…
expositorsLuke 24:1: "Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them."
Chapter 26THE FIRST LORD’S DAY . THE Sabbath came and went over the grave of its Lord, and silence reigned in Joseph’s garden, broken only by the mailed sentinels, who laughed and chatted by, the sealed sepulcher. As to the disciples, this high day is a dies non to them, for the curtain of a deep silence hides them f…
The phrase "at early dawn" or "deep dawn" signifies that these women came to the tomb while it was still dark, highlighting the depth of their grief and the unexpectedness of the resurrection they were about to encounter. Their preparation of spices wasn't for a joyous reunion, but rather a last act of love for a deceased loved one, underscoring their profound shock and lack of expectation for the events that would unfold.
After Jesus was crucified and buried, His devoted female followers observed the Sabbath rest. As soon as the Sabbath ended, they went to the tomb very early the next morning, bringing spices to anoint Jesus' body, fully expecting to find Him still deceased.
After Jesus was crucified and buried, His devoted female followers observed the Sabbath rest. As soon as the Sabbath ended, they went to the tomb very early the next morning, bringing spices to anoint Jesus' body, fully expecting to find Him still deceased.
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This early morning visit, happening before the full daylight, anticipates the coming revelation. It's a testament to their persistent love that they sought Jesus even in the darkest hours, paving the way for the astonishing discovery that awaited them.
c. 30-33 AD
Angelic Announcement
Inside the tomb, angels appear to the women, announcing that Jesus is not there because He has risen, reminding them of His prophecies.
c. 30-33 AD
News Reaches the Disciples
The women, though initially disbelieving themselves, rush to tell the apostles and other disciples about the empty tomb and the angelic message, but their words are initially dismissed as 'fables.'
"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus." — The phrase "at early dawn" or "deep dawn" signifies that these women came to the tomb while it was still dark, highlighting the depth of their grief and the unexpectedness of the resurrection they we…
