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Matthew 28:1-10
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.” Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Grace Prayed For
Embracing Joy: The women’s transformation from fear to joy upon encountering the risen Christ can inspire you to seek that same joy in your own relationship with Him. Ask Jesus to fill your heart with the joy of the Resurrection, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties.
Fear and Joy in the Light of the Resurrection
Matthew’s account of the Resurrection morning captures the dramatic events that unfolded as the women approached Jesus’ tomb. The scene is filled with contrasting emotions: fear and joy, darkness and light, death and life.
An earthquake announces the arrival of an angel, whose radiant appearance strikes terror into the hearts of the guards. Yet, this same angel brings a message of hope and joy to the women: “Do not be afraid! He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.”
The women, initially filled with fear, are overcome with joy upon hearing the news of Jesus’ resurrection. They rush to tell the disciples, their hearts overflowing with excitement and wonder.
In the midst of their journey, they encounter the risen Jesus himself. They fall at his feet in worship and adoration. Jesus assures them, “Do not be afraid,” and sends them to tell his disciples to meet him in Galilee.
This passage offers us several key insights:
- The Power of the Resurrection: The earthquake and the angel’s presence symbolize the immense power of God at work in the Resurrection. Christ’s victory over death shatters the darkness and brings new life and hope to the world.
- From Fear to Joy: The women’s initial fear is transformed into overwhelming joy as they encounter the risen Christ. This reminds us that even in the midst of our fears and anxieties, the Resurrection offers us a reason to rejoice.
- The Mission of Witness: The women are commissioned to share the good news of the Resurrection with others. Their experience teaches us that encountering the risen Christ compels us to share our faith with others.
- The Promise of Encounter: Jesus promises to meet his disciples in Galilee, a place of familiarity and new beginnings. This reminds us that Christ desires to encounter us in our everyday lives, bringing us hope, healing, and transformation.
As we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection let us embrace the message of this passage. May our fears be transformed into joy, our doubts into faith, and our darkness into light. May we encounter the risen Christ in our lives and be empowered to share the Good News with others.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Joyful Witness: May we be filled with the same joy that the women experienced upon encountering the risen Christ, and may we be empowered to share that joy with others.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post