The Same Message
But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7
When I read today’s scripture, my attention was drawn to the angel at the empty tomb. This moment that was so pivotal, so powerful reminded me of another angelic encounter at the beginning of Jesus’ life. Just as an angel announced His birth, at the tomb an angel proclaimed His victory over death. The messages are very similar, but what does it mean for us today?
As I thought about the angel’s message to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary that morning, I asked myself what exactly did he say, and does that same message apply to us today? As I read over the words again, I realized that this is the very message we are called to share even now.
So I want to walk through the words the angels spoke and consider how we can carry this message into the world today.
1. “Do Not Be Afraid.”
Fear is everywhere in today’s world. Anxiety, uncertainty, and despair are common. Every time we look at the news, we’re met with reasons to worry. But the angel’s first words cut through the fear: “Do not be afraid.”
Why? Because when you know Jesus, you don’t have to fear the unknown. Everything is part of a greater plan, orchestrated by a God who loves us. This is a message we can share with those who are lost in fear. When we encounter someone weighed down by worry, whether its about the future, their family, or the state of the world, we can gently remind them: You don’t have to be afraid. There is hope. There is peace. There is a Savior.
2. “I Know That You Seek Jesus.”
The angel acknowledged that the women were seeking Jesus, but here’s the truth: everyone is searching for their Savior. They may not realize it, but deep within, every human heart longs for fulfillment, for purpose, for something (or Someone) greater.
Some try to fill this longing with success, relationships, entertainment, material wealth or even substance of some kind, but nothing ever fully satisfies. Only Jesus can fill the void in our hearts. When we talk to others, we can recognize their longing and gently point them toward the One who truly satisfies.
3. “Come, See the Place Where the Lord Lay.”
The angel invited them to see for themselves that Jesus had risen. This reminds me that faith is not blind; it is built on evidence and personal experience.
When sharing the good news with someone, we don’t just tell them, we invite them to see. We can say, “Come and see what Jesus has done in my life. Come to church, join my small group, hear the testimonies of others.”
Transformation happens in community. When people witness God at work in the lives of those around them, it stirs something within them. Just as the angel invited the women to see, we can also invite others into places where they can experience Jesus for themselves.
4. “Go Quickly and Tell Others.”
Once the women saw the empty tomb, they couldn’t keep it to themselves. They were given a mission: go and tell others.
This is still our mission today. We don’t receive the hope of Christ Jesus and the gift of salvation just to keep it to ourselves. We are called to share it. Think about someone in your life who needs to hear this message. Maybe it’s a friend struggling with doubt, a coworker going through a crisis, or a family member searching for meaning. Just like the women at the tomb, we are called to go quickly and share the truth:
Jesus is alive. He is not distant. He is not a myth. He is real, and He still saves.
5. “He Is Going Before You.”
This might be the most encouraging part of all. The angel told the women that Jesus was already ahead of them, waiting for them in Galilee.
This is true for us today. God is always one step ahead, preparing the way. Whether we’re stepping into a new job, a difficult conversation, or an uncertain season, we can trust that Jesus is already there, waiting for us.
When you share the good news with someone, you’re not doing it alone. The Holy Spirit has already been working in their heart, softening them, preparing them to receive. Our job is simply to obey and trust that God is leading the way.
What About You? The angel’s message on that resurrection morning is still the same message we share today:
- Don’t be afraid. There is hope.
- You’re searching for something and Jesus is the answer.
- Come and see and experience Him for yourself.
- Go and tell others because this hope is too good to keep to yourself.
- Know that He goes before you and you’re never alone.
Have you received this message in your own life? If not, today is the day to invite Him in. Surrender your fears, your worries, and your searching heart to Jesus, and you will see Him at work in your life.
And if you have already received this message, who can you share it with today? Someone around you is searching, someone is afraid, someone is longing for hope. You have the message they need so go and tell them.
Let this message fill your heart today. Then go and share it with someone who needs to hear it!
To invite Him into your life today, pray this prayer from your heart and He will come into your life and lead you to your purpose for living: God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior. I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me. Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new. I know Your Son, Jesus died for me. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward. I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen
Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 28:1-8
1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came 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 from the door and sat on it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
4 And the guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.
5 But the angel answered and 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 is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to bring His disciple’s word.
The Daily Dose 