Matthew 28 reminds me of falling in Love. Some fear the powerful emotion because it makes us vulnerable to hurt. The classic fight or flight reaction does not help in matters of the heart. Fear is personal and can prevent us from doing things that are risky, so some will not fully venture across the bridge of trust. Today’s chapter looks at fear and love. The chapter begins, “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week”; this is the reason Christians worship on Sunday. After the resurrection, followers of Christ began to meet on the first day of the week. It continues, “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb”. In a culture where women were completely subordinate, the women of the Christian church were given huge responsibility and significant roles throughout the New Testament. We read, “An angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone”. Picture this, the guards “shook and became like dead men” as the angel addressed the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said… go quickly and tell His disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead’”. Please note their reaction; they were “afraid yet filled with joy”. Have you ever known that feeling?
When Fear and Joy are combined, it produces action! It says, they “ran to tell His disciples”. And this experience did not disappoint, “Suddenly Jesus met them”. I’m sure the disciples were shocked and afraid, but yet, “They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him”. He said two things that perhaps are directed at those of us that are afraid to commit. First He said, “Greetings” to confirm He was really with them; and He added, “Do not be afraid”. Those words of comfort were to reassure them. Then He gave them some direction, “Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me”. Keeping promises reduces fears.
Love can produce jealousy in others. “Some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened”. They bribed the soldiers to say “His disciples came during the night and stole Him away”. The jealous produce lies try to steal joy. The chapter and the book end with an inspiration. The eleven disciples went to Galilee and saw Jesus there just as He had promised. We also read “but some doubted”. I think that accurately described my life. What convinced me? Maybe it is related to these closing words. Jesus, speaking to the disciples said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”. I found God’s wisdom to be higher than man’s wisdom, and I saw lives transformed through the power of love. Nothing changes the heart of man more completely than love. Are you still afraid to make a commitment? The final words of Jesus are a promise to anyone that will believe, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”. My friend, what is keeping you from the Joy?