How does Matthew 28:8 inspire urgency in sharing the resurrection message today? The scene at the empty tomb “So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.” (Matthew 28:8) What moved the women—and should move us - Fear: a holy awe that God has acted decisively in history. - Great joy: the deepest, glad surprise that death has been shattered. - Ran: their feet matched the urgency of their hearts; silence would have been unthinkable. Three reasons their haste still speaks 1. Verified victory • The stone was rolled back, the body gone, the angel’s word clear (vv. 5-7). • The resurrection is not rumor; it is the hinge of history (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 2. Heaven’s commission • “Go quickly and tell His disciples” (v. 7). • Later echoed by Jesus Himself: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). 3. People need to know—now • Without the risen Christ, the world remains in sin and despair (1 Corinthians 15:17-19). • “Now is the favorable time; now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Parallels for modern believers - We stand where the women stood: eyewitness testimony in hand, empty grave unrefuted. - The angel’s “go quickly” still applies; Christ’s return is nearer than ever (Romans 13:11-12). - Fear and joy belong together: reverent awe of God’s power, exuberant delight in His grace. Scriptures that reinforce the urgency - Mark 16:15 — “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” - Acts 1:8 — “You will receive power … and you will be My witnesses.” - 2 Corinthians 5:14 — “For Christ’s love compels us.” - Jude 23 — “Snatch others from the fire and save them.” Putting feet to the message today - Share your own resurrection story: how Jesus changed you. - Keep the gospel central in every conversation—clarity over clichés. - Leverage today’s “roads” (social media, text, video) the way Paul used Roman roads. - Support and pray for missionaries who carry the message where you cannot. - Live resurrection hope: forgiveness offered quickly, joy practiced openly, holiness pursued consistently. Takeaway The women’s sprint from the tomb is more than a detail; it’s a template. The empty grave demands swift, joyful proclamation—then and now. Let every step of our lives echo their urgent run: Christ is risen, and the world must know. |
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