A Word from Matthew 28

What would it take for you to be filled with a new sense of hope and possibility about the world and your place in it?

After all, there are plenty of challenges out there. Natural disasters. International conflicts. Economic uncertainties. Political division. And then, of course, there are all hurts that strike closer to home—things like loss and illness, divorce and addiction, loneliness and fear.

And I ask all this because today’s word from Matthew 28 takes place in a setting that’s much the same. After all, first century Israel faced many of the challenges we do. And on top of that, the women at the heart of today’s word were dealing with the recent and painful death of their Master, and Teacher, and Friend.

And yet, in a way that was completely unexpected, their grief and brokenness were suddenly replaced by a message that changed everything: “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you’re looking for Jesus, who was crucified. But he isn’t here; he’s risen, just as he said.” (Mt. 28:5-6)

Of course, we know that story. And yet, even though we believe it, I can’t help but wonder if we trust it in a way that allows us to greet every knowing that hope and possibility have been set loose in the world. But if we do trust that, what might change for us?

Well, in today’s word, the angel who announced the resurrection also gave the women who heard that message an assignment: “Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (28:10) They were to say, in other words, “Head out in the world with your eyes open and your hearts expectant, because the Lord will meet you there.”

So, may we have that sense of hope and possibility today. And may we and others find resurrection life as a result. Amen.