Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’ While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, ‘You must say, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Jews to this day.

It is an interesting fact that in none of the four canonical Gospels is there an eye-witness account of the actual resurrection. The crucifixion is described in much detail and in graphic terms, yet the resurrection relies on the testament of others and, indeed, after the fact. Have you ever stopped to wonder why this is so? I believe the answer lies in the foundational experience of faith.

Having been confronted by the empty tomb and told by the angel that ‘he is not here, for he has been raised’, the women come away ‘filled with fear and great joy’ – six simple words that reflect their wonder and awe, an experience they cannot wait to share.

In total contrast, the second part of the Gospel describes the cover-up, complete with hush-money to ensure the messy alibi and its lies are sustained! What is good news for some poses as dangerous and disastrous for others.

The truth of the resurrection is accessible only through faith, yet it is through one’s personal encounter with Jesus that our mission as disciples is defined – ‘Suddenly Jesus met them’, writes Matthew of the women’s encounter with Jesus risen….‘go and tell my brothers’, says Jesus referring to his apostles. The women’s experience and testimony therefore becomes that of all of us.

It is as a result of our personal relationship with Jesus and our steadfast faith in his death and resurrection that our witness to the good news is justified. And it is for this reason that Matthew ends his gospel with the great commissioning: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

How do you experience the power of the resurrection in your life?