1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 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.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
A story built upon lies eventually is crushed by the weight of its own deception.
So much for the guards…we know at this point the Pharisees had to have been getting nervous. Some things cannot be undone. This was surely one of them. Panic and terror couldn’t be far behind…for the smart ones.
I’ve seen it in the eyes of the dying Pharisees in my hospital…You know, the ones who feel smugly secure about their own righteousness…up till the last minute.
On the other hand, both the angel and our Savior told the women “Do not be afraid”.
I like their message better. It’s one I should share more faithfully with those around me.
Live boldly out there today…
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