Resurrection Comfort!
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go, tell my brothers that they should go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” Matthew 28:10
I have been on earth a lot longer than I ever thought I would be. Since my parents brought me to the Lord as a baby and reenforced my faith with Christian training and teaching, I have had the privilege of celebrating many Easter Sundays. I pray that you agree with me, but no matter how many times we hear the great news of Easter, it never grows old.
Listen again to what our risen Savior tells us: “Do not be afraid.” Yes, it is one of the reported 365 don’t be afraid statements in the Bible. But today’s encouragement is spoken directly by our risen Savior himself!
In the message recorded by Matthew look at the next sentence. Jesus said, “Go, tell my brothers.” Jesus could have asked the women where everybody else was. He had told them that he would suffer and die and rise on the third day. Had they been listening, the disciples should have been waiting at the tomb. The women themselves didn’t come there to see a “living” Jesus. The believers thought it was all over. But now Jesus calls his disciples, “My brothers!”
That is why the Easter story never grows old. Jesus lives. Our brother who led the perfect life for us. Our brother took our sins to the cross. Our brother has defeated Satan. Our brother conquered death. He has made us part of his family.
No, we didn’t get to go to Galilee to see him physically, but we continue to see our risen Brother in his Word. By faith we see how he works everything for our good. Jesus lives! Don’t be afraid. He remains with us.
Lord Jesus, continue to increase our faith in you, our living Brother. Thanks! Amen.