Don't Be Afraid

Matthew 28

5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

“Don’t be afraid!” Yeah, that is an angel’s first line in most instances when people encounter an angel in the Bible, but it is also good advice when telling people to go spread the Good News. You see, the first time the Gospel is proclaimed is actually right here in this passage. The Good News is that Jesus Who was crucified, has risen from the dead! That is the same message we are charged with spreading today, yet fear keeps our mouths shut when we should be shouting the Good News from the rooftops! Satan’s greatest weapon against the Gospel is the fear of those charged with spreading it. May we stop giving satan a victory by being afraid to boldly proclaim the Good News, and may our proclamation not just be with our lips, but with our daily lives.