Scripture Focus:
Luke 24:1–10
"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!" – Luke 24:5 (NIV)
Who Were the Women at the Tomb?
Mary Magdalene, Joanna (mentioned in the gospel of Luke), Mary the mother of James, Salome (mentioned in the gospel of Mark) and others were among the first to witness the resurrection of Jesus. While many had scattered in fear after His crucifixion, these faithful women returned to the tomb. They came with spices in hand, hearts still grieving, yet faithful to serve, even in sorrow. Instead, they found an empty tomb and became the first messengers of the risen Lord.
Devotional Thought:
Encouragement is fueled by hope...and hope never dies.
These women didn’t know resurrection was waiting on the other side of that stone. Still, they showed up. That’s what faithful women do. They show up, even in heartbreak. They serve, even when things don’t make sense. And God honors that kind of faith.
When the angel declared, “He is not here, He has risen,” they became the bearers of the greatest message the world would ever hear. They ran to tell the others, not just what they saw, but what they believed.
As this 5-week journey comes to a close, let this final lesson be this: sisters who pray together don’t just comfort each other in grief, they call each other to life.
You’ve been that kind of sister: faithful, encouraging, prayerful, and present. Keep showing up for your sisters. Keep walking in resurrection hope. Because even when things feel uncertain, God is still writing a greater story.
Mini Bible Study: Sisters Who Carry Hope and Speak Life
Use these verses to reflect on how God empowers women to be bold witnesses and vessels of encouragement:
Luke 24:10 – "It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles."
➤ Am I boldly sharing what I’ve witnessed God do in my life and in others’?
Isaiah 52:7 – "How beautiful… are the feet of those who bring good news…"
➤ How can I be a messenger of hope and encouragement to my sisters in Christ?
Hebrews 11:1 – "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
➤ Where can I offer hope even when outcomes are still unseen?
Romans 15:13 – "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him..."
➤ How can I pray hope over my secret sister and trust God with her future?
Even when things look finished, I trust in the God of new beginnings. Like the women at the tomb, I will show up in faith, believe in miracles, and boldly share the hope that never fades.
