He is Risen – Now Go!
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb” (Mt 28:1). This was a wearisome time for the disciples. Their messiah who loved and taught them was dead and buried. This was not at all what they had in mind.
“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” (Mt 28:5). Talk about unexpected! Their Messiah, who died as a common criminal … is now alive! What to make of this? In their excitement “the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples” (Mt 28:8).
While running, Jesus met and greeted them. They immediately “clasped his feet and worshiped him” (Mt 28:9). He told the women to go tell the brothers to meet him in Galilee (where he would give them their lifetime orders). When the eleven got to Galilee (Judas was already dead) they saw Jesus and worshiped Him.
Upon their arrival Jesus said something to them that would change the world forever and ever …. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mt 28:18-20).
We know the rest of the story. Because the disciples faithfully listened, you and I know the good news of redemption and eternal life. Now it’s our turn. May we embrace the resolve of the disciples. Never before has God blessed a people with the means and the opportunity as He has today, right here, right now! (Kansas, Minnesota, Scotland, Mexico, Argentina, and around the world.) He is Risen! Now We Go!