Memory is an important tool. Jonah: “When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple” (Jon 2:7). Jesus to the Ephesian church: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first” (Rev 2:5). Forgetfulness can cause us trouble. “There arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph” (Ex 1:8). “Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hos 4:6).

Jesus would be raised on the third day. “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Lk 9:22). Lk 18:31-34.

Listen to Jesus.

God expects us to listen to Jesus. “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matt 17:5). “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Heb 1:1-2).

Luke 24:1-8

Listen to Jesus.

We listen to Jesus when we Know His Word.

The women go through unnecessary work and emotions because they forgot Jesus’ words. Are there times that we go through unnecessary emotions because we neglect to Know His Word? Are you worried about how you can make it financially? Do you worry about your health? Do you worry because there is sin in your life?

How can we remember Jesus’ words in difficult times? Go home and write down your five top worries. Find at least two passages that deal with your worries: Write those verses out beside your worries. Memorize one verse that deals with each of your worries.

Why would I suggest you take these steps? One: The Word of God is our source of light in the darkest of nights (2 Pet 1:19-21). Two: The Word of God in the heart is so powerful. Jesus quoted Scripture to Satan. Christians are to put on “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:17).

After we listen to Jesus, we Share His Word.

After the women had listened to Jesus, they returned “from the tomb [and] they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles” (Lk 24:9-10).

Think about the role of women here. We know that women cannot have authority over men or publicly lead worship. These women are the first apostles. “Apostle” simply means “one who is sent.” Barnabas and Epaphroditus are both called “apostles.” Women sent on a mission: “Go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you” (Mk 16:7). A woman was the first gospel preacher.

We also have a mission to fulfill. Jesus says “that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (Lk 24:47). When you “Listen to Jesus,” the natural response is to help others “Listen to Jesus.” Help one person “Listen to Jesus” this week. Do you need to listen to Jesus more faithfully?