Just As I Said
- jillolish
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Before we dig into Matthew 28:1-10 I want to address two recent questions.
Concerned, someone asked me, why are there differences in the gospels? I responded because each is being reported by a different person. I posit that their training, education, audience and background impacted their perspective, and ultimately their narrative. If each account were verbatim, I would wonder why? It would seem practiced. Friends, the differences do not negate what happened that resurrection morning.
Why do I feel guilty about the crucifixion? Jesus took on our sins, the only One sinless and capable of doing so because He wanted to. His voluntary act of deep love is a gift. When we receive a gift whether tangible or intangible, it is with no strings attached. When we receive a gift, it should birth gratitude. Emily Post explains the etiquette of gift receiving this way…we are to honor the giver's thoughtfulness and focus on appreciating their generosity. Christ gave His life for us, the greatest gift of all, to redeem, purify and reconcile us, and in return we respond with gratitude, not guilt. Guilt does not benefit the giver or receiver; it blocks the blessing and is counterproductive to the process.
When have you been afraid? Being afraid is mentioned four times in Matthew 28:1-10. Fear is a natural human response. When fear shows up it can cause hesitation and doubt; it can direct our focus away from God. If we do not confront it, it can lead to anxiety, withdrawal, or the inability to live in the fullness offered to us. Fear can immobilize us. Friends, this text offers us help in times of fear and reveals to us the One that has the power to calm our hearts, to fill us with joy and give us hope for our tomorrows.
Fear kept all but the disciple John from witnessing the crucifixion. Conversely, the women did not allow fear to stop them from being at the foot of the cross, nor did they allow fear to hold them from going to the tomb. Their faith conquered their fear. There’s a choice…trust God or recoil in fear?
The guards were afraid. The earth shook and an angel appeared. I imagine that most of us would have been afraid, but fear without faith caused them to spiral. The women were also afraid – who wouldn’t be? But fear did not stop them. They persevered. They were not privy to everything Jesus said, nor did they witness all the disciples did, yet through the fear they exhibited tremendous faith. Obediently and afraid, they ran with joy to tell the news. On there way, Jesus appeared. To see him and learn that others soon will … reassured them, but it’s important to realize that they were already in agreement, on their way, exhibiting faith.
Is your situation urging you to respond like the women…leaning on your faith or do you find yourself like the guards…spiraling because of fear? Today I encourage us, instead of focusing on how big your fear is confidently attest how big your God is.
At the heart of this season is the resurrection; we do not need to be afraid. The promise of Easter is new life, a full life, and an eternal life with God all because of the loving sacrifice of Jesus. We have a Savior, one who relieves our fears and restores our hope. God sent his Son to die for us. We have eternal life and that is the good news, rejoice and be grateful! Do not be afraid…whatever comes ahead, we have security in Christ. Our sin is forgiven through Christ; he died and God accepted the sacrifice we know this through the resurrection. Christ is risen…He is risen indeed! To that I ask, now what? Go and tell, don’t keep this lifesaving news to yourself, don’t be afraid. And all God’s people said, amen!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Kerry
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