Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Jesus died. The apostles were lost, afraid, hopeless.
The women headed to the tomb to properly prepare his body. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary plus other women. The were concerned about how to move the rock in front of the tomb.
They knew that Jesus had died. Secular and Christian folks agree. The point of disagreement is his resurrection. Too many say it is impossible.
And so they live in fear of death. And so they live in weakness.
The women came to the tomb and found glowing angels and guards lying in fear. The women were afraid as well.
The angel said "fear not. Come see. Go tell the disciples."
They were so astonished. They were still afraid but joyful. Possible hope. Could it be true?
And so we are told "don't be afraid". We should not fear Jesus is alive!
Jesus appeared first to the women and asked him to testify to his resurrection. In a day when women weren't allowed to do so.
Jesus gives us victory over sin. He gives us hope and new life.