The women were doing what they were supposed to do when a loved one dies. They went to the tomb where Jesus was laid after his crucifixion with spices in hand, ready to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. But instead of finding his body, they found an empty tomb.

When something happens that does not meet your expectations, what do you do? Most people look for an explanation. They tell a story that makes sense of what has happened.

Before the women could even wonder aloud about what happened, two men in dazzling clothes appeared to the women and gave an explanation: “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 handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” (Luke 24:5-7)

In other words, this empty tomb is all part of the story.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine a story different from the one we’ve always known – different from the story we have always lived. The women have always lived in a world where the dead stay dead. They needed help remembering a different story – the story Jesus lived and taught – the story that yes, he will die…but that won’t be the end. Because his is a story of life beyond death.

And once they remembered that story – they went to tell the others. The tomb is empty! Jesus lives!

Today, this is our story to tell. Not everyone will believe it the first time or even the second. (To hear about how Peter and the rest of the disciples responded to this good news, listen to all of Sunday’s sermon – starts at 23:30!) Regardless of how we respond, the good news is that there is more to the story – more to the story of our lives, more to the story of this world – than we could possibly imagine. Jesus lives! And our story is not over! The rest of our story is shaped by the one Jesus told through his life, death, and resurrection – the story of love and hope and mercy and forgiveness and justice. Jesus lives! Alleluia! Thanks be to God!