It is the first Easter Sunday. Matthew is telling about the women going to the grave of Jesus. It is a solemn occasion, but Matthew can’t help himself. He has to crack a joke. The last they saw Jesus he was dead, and buried. But, Jesus isn’t dead and the guards are ‘like dead men.’ (v.4)
God is love and the opposite of love is fear. That’s why the angelic host always begins their encounter with mortal humans with the words ‘do not be afraid.’ The earthquake was like a drum roll introducing the angel who is making an announcement. At this time, at this place, the history of mankind is changed. The women had crossed the border from the old world into the light of the Kingdom of God. Behind them was the world where hope was constantly abused, where power ruled, where peace was scoffed at, where the rich got richer, usually on the backs of the poor, and there was always some despot using their power to oppress the people. Oh, and in that world, the dead stay dead.
The women stepped into the new world of light and love and hope and peace in the life of the Risen Savior. This is not to say that those who choose to live in the old world can no longer be abusers; it is to say they can no longer be victorious. No more is their voice the last word. God has established that He and He alone has the last word. “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Cor. 5:17)
What does today’s reading reveal to you
about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do
or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to change anything in your life?
26-Sep-11 Matthew 28:11-20
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