Monday, March 30, 2026

Scripture

“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.  Come, see the place where he lay.’” Matthew 28:5-6

Reflections

It was an incredibly scary time.  The disciples were afraid for their lives.

They were in Jerusalem for the Passover with Jesus.  Jesus was quickly abducted by the authorities, tried under trumped up charges and crucified.  They took his body and laid it in a tomb.  Now those who had Jesus crucified had their eyes set on the disciples.  The disciples were in fear for their lives, hiding behind closed doors.

Then the women went to the tomb.  There, a messenger of the Lord God came and appeared to them and said, “Do not be afraid.  He is not here; for he has been raised!”  Not much later, they encountered the resurrected Jesus himself who said, “Do not be afraid!”

How easy it is for us to be afraid!  But our Lord encounters us where we are and speaks words of encouragement and comfort.  He speaks, “peace”.  He’s the one to whom we belong.  He’s the one who brings life from death.  He comes to us when we’re scared, lost, confused, and uncertain about the future.  He comes to us and whispers in our ears, “Do not be afraid.”  He is with us through it.  Nothing will snatch us from his hands—not even death itself.

He is risen!  Alleluia!

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for being raised from the dead.  Thank you for giving me reason not to be afraid.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Matthew 28:1-10