That's The Message

Today's reading is found in Matthew 28. The Bible tells the story of Jesus' resurrection on the first day of the week. The women had gone out to the tomb where Jesus had been buried in order to keep vigil. But they never expected to encounter God's angel. It's incredible that the angel did not speak of his own mind. He did not criticize the women. He did not inquire the whereabouts of Jesus' disciples. He simply gave the message that had been given to him to deliver.

The message was quite simple. It was more of a reminder. The angel said, "There is nothing to fear here. I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed." The women immediately obeyed the command to go and tell the disciples of what they had seen and heard. The most wonderful thing about this is that, once they obeyed, they saw Jesus!

The disciples eventually heard the message and obeyed the command. But it's interesting to note that "some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally." How could that be? They were seeing Jesus in all His splendor and glory and they still stopped to consider whether He was worthy to risk it all.

Today, we can learn a very important lesson from this. Jesus has called us to tell the world about His death and resurrection. As we obey His command, He will appear to us and we will experience His glorious presence and the assurance we need to continue our task. Yet, there are still some that have stopped to consider whether it's worth the time and effort to follow Him. Either way, Jesus has commissioned us to the Great Commision. In other words, we are to "go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you." Dear friends, that's the message!