Matthew 28:1-10, Common English Bible

Think about that last time you were afraid?  Where were you?  Were you alone or with someone?  Did you stop and stare or keep going?

Jesus is gone!  He is dead and now buried.  Who in their right mind would not be afraid or fearful of what is to happen next?  Jesus offered a picture for these fear factor moments.  He promised that he would give himself over, be crucified and on the third day, “I will be lifted from the dead!”

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary find themselves where everyone has been.  Confronted with personal fear.  The question for us when fear presents itself is, “What will we do when fear chases us down?”  Most of us don’t really know what we would do until that moment happens.

Remember when fear confronts us, there is a response from Jesus that awaits us.

Fear cannot stand forever!
Look, there was a great earthquake, for an angel from the Lord came down from heaven.  Coming to the stone, he rolled it away and sat on it.   Matthew 28:2

Fear is very convincing!
The guards were so terrified of him that they shook with fear and became like dead men.  But the angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid.  I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.”   Matthew 28:4-5

Fear should drive us toward Jesus!
With great fear and excitement, they hurried away from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples.  But Jesus met them and greeted them.  They came and grabbed his feet and worshipped him.  Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid.  Go and tell my brothers that I am going into Galilee.  They will see me there.”   Matthew 28:8-10

Hear the W.O.W., the Words of Wisdom,
“Christ is risen, so rise up!”