Women are the first to encounter the risen Jesus

Second Easter Day

Easter Season Third Edition

Gospel Matthew 28:8–15 Meeting Jesus

The women left the tomb, afraid and overjoyed at the same time, and ran to tell Jesus’ disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and greeted them. They went to him, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid! Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. Then they gathered together with the elders and decided to give the soldiers a large sum of money. They said to the soldiers, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night while you were sleeping and stole him away.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make arrangements so that you will not be in trouble.” The soldiers took the money and did as they were told. Their story has been spread among the Jews to this day. (Matthew 28:8–15, third edition)

A fascinating beginning

The resurrection of Jesus is a central part of the message of Christianity. The imagery of the resurrection announcement in the Gospel of Matthew particularly emphasizes the role of women on Easter morning. As they approached Jesus’ tomb, they were confronted by an incredible situation that changed their lives and shaped the entire history of the world. For Christians, Jesus’ resurrection from the grave is a core message. This blog post delves into the meaning of the resurrection, the women’s reactions, and how this opened a new era for believers.

The Women’s Meeting at the Tomb

Matthew 28:1-10 describes the amazing moment the women had as they approached the tomb. Their emotions ranged from fear to joy. This wide range of emotions reveals the depth of human experience—how despair and joy can coexist in the same moment. For example, when Mary Magdalene and the other women approached the tomb, they received an angelic message saying, “Do not be afraid!” This first message was not just words; it was a promise of a brand new hope.

Fear is a natural reaction, especially in an exciting and surprising situation like the resurrection. However, the angel’s words are comforting and hopeful. The women’s mission is to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with the disciples. This message is significant: Jesus has conquered sin and death, and we need not fear either. Everyone has fears about death, but the message of the resurrection can help overcome these fears.

The Surprise of the Resurrection

All four Gospels discuss the resurrection from their own perspective, but one common theme is surprise. Jesus spoke of his resurrection on several occasions, yet its occurrence shocked many. This reminds us of how difficult it is to believe, even when we know it to be true. For example, Matthew reports that the women left the tomb “with fear and great joy,” a familiar experience for many who experience the transformation of their lives in an easily understandable form.

When Jesus appears to the women, he greets them and encourages them. This encounter is a powerful moment in which fear and joy merge perfectly. The women bow down and embrace Jesus’ feet. Moments like these are important—atheist and agnostic scholars have found that such experiences can become turning points in the lives of many believers.

The Beginning of a New Era

The resurrection marks the beginning of a new era. Jesus’ words to the women, “Go and tell my brothers,” suggest that joy and hope are not the privilege of a few, but are for all believers. This is a collective experience that has delighted millions. Did you know that the message of the resurrection has become so powerful that many people over the centuries have dedicated their minds and hearts to their beliefs through it? One of the most important teachings of the gospel is the victory over sin and death. Jesus pays the price for sin, and the resurrection confirms it. We need not fear death, for now we know that life continues after death. This brings peace and hope to many people.

A message for us about the new gospel

The revelations of the angel and Jesus seek to walk the difficult journey that the women had experienced. The tomb is empty, but the memories and teachings live on. The resurrection is not just a historical event, but it requires us to reflect on what it means in our own lives and in the daily practice of our faith. As faithful bearers of this message, we can promote hope and peace in different areas of our lives.

Women must rejoice. This is a message that belongs to the whole world. The good news of new life is ready and it is intended for everyone who believes. The resurrection invites us to forget our fears and live in new hope. Through the emptiness of Jesus’ tomb and the miracle of the resurrection, we gain strength to face the challenges of our lives. Did you know that many believers say that understanding the resurrection has helped them overcome depression and anxiety?

The joy and hope of Easter

Easter is a celebration of joy and hope that every believer experiences annually. It reminds us of how Jesus conquered death and opened the way for us to eternal life. The women’s good news from the tomb is an important moment for all of us, one that lives in every believer. Every year, about 2 billion people celebrate Easter around the world, which is a beautiful example of the meaning and power of the resurrection.

This message through women and disciples is also special for us today. Life’s challenges can seem overwhelming and fear can take over. However, Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that hope lives in the darkness. Every era has its own meaning, and we can find the strength to keep going.

The first encounter with the risen Jesus, which came through women, is a powerful and vital message for all of us. It calls us to forget our fears, to rejoice, and to share the message. Jesus is our common savior, who lives and reigns in our lives. The role of women as resurrection narrators is unique, and their courage reminds us that faith can change the course of our lives.