Today's Bible reading is the 24th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024&version=NASB

It was a day filled with various thoughts and emotions. Luke's Gospel account tells us that those who were first to visit the tomb after Jesus had risen were "perplexed" when they found His body not there. These women, as they are identified, are then "terrified" and bow their faces to the ground as two men "stand near them in dazzling clothing". Arguably some of the greatest words ever heard are then spoken to the women by these "two men". "Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen." It could be argued that herein lies the heart of the Christian's hope. An empty tomb and and a risen Christ. The women then return and report what they had seen and heard to the 11 apostles and "the rest". The majority of those hearing their report appear to think the news nonsensical. We then see Peter, with apparent excitement and anticipation, get up and run to the tomb to do his own investigation of the matter. Peter also witnesses an empty tomb and upon seeing only the linen wrappings left behind, he returns to his home "marveling at what had happened". As Luke's account continues we see Jesus appearing to the two men traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. The text tells us that Jesus began walking with the two men, His identity kept from them, and that He asks them of that which they had been discussing when He approached them. We read that the two men stood there "looking sad" and that they were surprised that this man, unknown to them to be the One they were talking about, appeared to be unaware of the events that had transpired in Jerusalem that were the basis of their sadness. Later, their sadness would turn to joy when Jesus revealed Himself to them "in the breaking of the bread" and they would return to Jerusalem to report their experience to the eleven apostles and the others gathered together. While giving their testimony to the group, Jesus appears in their midst, prompting some to be startled, frightened, troubled and doubting. As He proceeds to reveal Himself to them, showing them His hands and feet, we read that they struggled to believe Him because of their joy and amazement. As the chapter comes to a close we see the resurrected Christ opening their minds to understand the scriptures that spoke of Him. After having followed Him out of the city to Bethany and worshiping Him, following His ascension, they return to Jerusalem with great joy. Men still experience a host of emotions when they consider the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Perplexity, terrified, nonsensical, excitement, anticipation, marvel, sadness, startled, frightened, troubled, doubts and amazement. And those who come to know Him through divine revelation continue, as the first did, to feel great joy. Praise God for the joy of knowing the truth of Christ and His resurrection.