A New Day

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Matthew 28:5-8

 

Matthew writes of the women at the tomb, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Reading through this passage of the resurrection, there was a phrase that stood out to me. They were frightened, but filled with great joy. Knowing the angel was true and that Christ had risen, they rushed to tell the disciples despite their fear—the joy had to be shared. As they went, they took the angel’s words and rejoiced with hope.

 

Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

Matthew 28:9

 

They rejoiced when the angel spoke of the resurrection, but when Jesus visited, they laid down and worshipped at His feet. The guards twisted the story, but these women knew. This fear did not stop them from declaring Christ had risen. Jesus appeared to them and told them to continue sharing the truth—and they did, with the disciples and anyone who would listen. Afraid, but joyful, for Christ had risen indeed.