Do Not be Afraid!

When the women arrive at the tomb of Jesus with their burial spices, someone has rolled the heavy stone away!
The women were taking the burial spices there, as was the custom in their culture when a loved one has passed away. Were the women full of faith and anticipation, knowing that Jesus had told them would happen? Maybe not…

I can imagine them shaking with fear. They entered his tomb to see what was going on. It was empty. (Luke 24:3)
Imagine yourself in their shoes, seeing a tall and sparkly being gazing at you. And they hear a clear voice speaking to them,

“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.” (Matthew 28:6)

We’re not sure how many angels were there, but one confirmed to the women that Jesus had risen!
They rejoiced because Jesus was alive!

Then, Jesus himself appeared to them. In awe of Jesus, they grabbed hold of his feet and worshiped him. Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

I imagine them being released from fear under the sound of Jesus’ voice, rushing to the disciples with their long dresses getting caught in branches and rocks, but not stopping.

Not long after all this, on the mountain of Galilee, Jesus met with the eleven disciples after he had risen. He told them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

This is victory for Jesus, the disciples, and the women. And us! He is alive. The atmosphere is now filled with joy. We, like they, now have a mission to tell others that they can be freed from addiction, forgiven for their sins, and released from whatever they fear.

Nothing is impossible for those who believe!

Father God, I thank you for Jesus and that he is risen! Thank you, Jesus, for accepting to die for us, so we can have life.

Throughout this day: No matter how you feel today, there’s an answer for any issue in the world. Jesus! Receive him in your heart as your Lord and Savior if you have never done that! Either way, be filled with peace and joy today no matter what you’re going through.

If Jesus is already your Lord, be joyful today and go and tell someone about him! May the joy of the Lord fill your heart! Share that joy! Go and speak to someone about Jesus today. It may be in various ways – written words, a call or a visit in person.