Matthew 28:1-10 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 28:1-10 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 28After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Verse 2And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. Verse 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. Verse 4For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. Verse 5But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. Verse 6He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Verse 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you." Verse 8So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Verse 9Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Verse 10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
Devotion
What the angel said to apprehensive Joseph at the beginning of Matthew’s gospel, the angel says to the worried women at the end. Of course, the story has moved from conception and birth to death and resurrection. But the message, from beginning to end, rings with the same reassuring resonance: God’s promise and God’s presence sustain us. Throughout we are encouraged and empowered to step forth in confidence. Go quickly, and spread the Good News.
Prayer
Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel. Set free those who are bound, and open the eyes of those who are blind. Amen.