Upon arriving, they found the rock already rolled away. What has been identified as an angel was sitting on the rock, who spoke to them. “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus”. The women had already reacted in fear, but as the angel spoke, they listened. In the same kind of situation, anyone would react the same way, in fear but wondering what is going on. The angel tells them what they are doing and then gives them instructions. The women came for a purpose, but now, everything had changed for Jesus was no longer there.
Speaking further, the angel said, “He is not here; he has risen”. Looking into the tomb, the women could see the body of Jesus was not there. Immediately, questions would come to mind such as “Where is He?” seeing He was not in the tomb. Imagine their surprise when told “he has risen”. It can not be true, but Jesus had predicted these events would take place. The angel emphasized to the women, Jesus had told them this would happen. Their sorrow was turning to joy.
Upon revealing to the women the resurrection of Jesus, the angel commanded them to “come and see the place where he lay”. This would become convincing evidence for the resurrection with the tomb being empty since there was no body to be found. The reason is because Jesus is alive! It is news not to be kept to one self. Therefore, the angel continued, “go quickly and tell his disciples”. The women were not to lallygag around but immediately were to go where the disciples were and tell them the good news. Their message to the disciples was “He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee”. “He has risen” is a message which needs to be proclaimed throughout the whole world, today. It is the responsibility of every Christian to be doing this. These women were told where the disciples needed to go in order to meet Jesus. “Galilee” was the area where Jesus did a major part of His ministry and away from the center of the Jewish rulers. This was the place where the disciples were to receive their final instructions from Jesus. It is the place where the disciples would “see him”. One day every individual will see Jesus. For Christians it will be the happiest day of their life, for they will be received into heaven. For those who have not believed it will be their saddest day. Remember, every Lord’s Day when you come together to partake of the Lord’s Supper you are meeting with the Lord Jesus Christ.
After receiving the instruction from the angel the women did as they were told. They “hurried away” with the good news. They were “afraid yet filled with joy” and they “ran to tell his disciples”. Today, you can look back and see the women did carry out their responsibility and what a difference it has made. Are you proclaiming the good news, Jesus is alive? THINK ABOUT THIS VERY CAREFULLY FOR YOU WILL SEE JESUS!!!