9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
On the first day of the week, the women came to the tomb to perform the burial rites for Jesus as they had not had the time to anoint his body before it was buried. Imagine their surprise when they found the stone rolled back and the tomb empty of Jesus’ body and an angel sitting there waiting for them. He told them that Jesus had risen and was going before them into Galilee and they were to go and tell the disciples. Then, Jesus, himself, greeted them. Can you even begin to imagine their wonder and joy?
In this, Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples believe them and do go to Galilee where Jesus met them. In the other Gospel accounts, they were suspicious of the women’s account and had to go see for themselves that it was true. What was our reaction to the Easter Day – Resurrection when we first heard it? Did you immediately believe, or did you have doubts? Faith is an interesting thing. It really doesn’t become our own until we examine our beliefs and test them. The women didn’t need to believe that Jesus had risen because they saw and heard him themselves. The disciples weren’t convinced.
First, they had to check it for themselves. They were still trying to wrap their heads around his Good Friday – Crucifixion. Jesus had warned them, but they didn’t understand what he was trying to tell them. Even Peter, James and John who had witnessed his transfiguration didn’t get it. And so Peter and John hurried to the tomb to check it out. It’s okay for us to have doubts as well.
The more we read Scripture and see how God is acting in our lives, the more our faith becomes truly our own.
Thank you Lord, for giving us the witness stories of those who saw you following your resurrection. May we continue to see you each day as you journey with us on the path of faith. Amen.
