The Witness of Women (Luke 24)

Is the resurrection of Jesus a historical event? Many these days, including some who call themselves Christians, suggest that it was not. These critics say that the Gospel was not intended to be a true, historic record. They suggest that the reality of Jesus' resurrection is a moot point. They also doubt that the Gospel authors were making true claims.

Yet, the very nature of how the Gospel writers tell the story suggests otherwise. There are details that writers like Luke include that don't make much sense if the story is not real. For example, Luke says that women were first to the tomb. In Israelite society, the testimony of a woman was not admissible in court. If Luke were creating a story, why would he place women at the tomb first? His society wanted the testimony of men. The only explanation for Luke's inclusion of women is that is how it actually happened.

There is another odd detail in the resurrection story as Luke tells it. Luke says that when Jesus arrived at Emmaus, He pretended as though he were traveling further. This detail might create more trouble than insight. Why would Jesus pretend to do something He didn't plan to do? What purpose does this serve in the story? It is a detail that is hard to explain. Yet, Luke includes it. Why? Because that is the way it happened.

One may doubt the accounts that the Gospel writers wrote. But one cannot doubt their attentions. Like the other Gospel writers, Luke wanted to give what he believed was a true, historical account of Jesus' resurrection.