Resurrection was ‘Joy through the roof’
Written by Major Jeff Strickler, Twin Cities Salvation Army Commander
Editor’s note: The Biblical accounts of the resurrection of Jesus Christ mentioned in this blog can be found in the the four Gospels: Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-12; and John 20:1-18.
I love the resurrection scene accounts of the four gospel writers. I enjoy the varied details and perspectives they offer on this most amazing event in history, the day that Jesus Christ raised from the dead. I delight in the mighty miracles mentioned by Matthew surrounding the resurrection event. I adore the tender interaction between Jesus and Mary Magdalene outside the tomb as described by John.
One common component in each of the four gospel writers’ resurrection accounts is the presence of women at the tomb very early on the first day of the week. Female followers of Jesus are the first to witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection and a swirl of emotions follow.
Matthew says the women at the empty tomb were “afraid, yet filled with joy,”despite the angel telling them not to be afraid. Mark says, they were “alarmed,” and despite being told by a “young man dressed in a white robe,” “don’t be alarmed,” they fled the tomb “trembling,” “bewildered,” and “afraid.” Luke says, “In their fright,” the women bowed their faces to the ground before two men in clothes that gleamed like lightening who were standing beside them. And John, who only mentions one woman at the tomb, Mary Magdalene, describes her as “crying” and confused over the disappearance of Jesus body from the tomb.
Now allow me to say at this juncture that many Bible commentators say that it is fascinating the our Lord chose women to be the first to report to the rest of Jesus’ followers that He was risen, just as He said he would be. Women at that point in history were commonly not considered to be credible reporters. I must say I find it equally as ironic that our Lord would choose men to write about the emotions of women. As the saying goes, “There are only four emotions that men tend to identify consistently — mad, sad, bad and glad.” Fortunately for these men, they only had to describe three of our most basic four human emotions—sad, bad (fear, in this instance), and glad (joy).
Now let’s bring the experience of these women into today’s context. If you had someone you love die, be buried, and on the third day show up alive and well at your front door, wouldn’t you experience a swirl of emotions? Sure you would, just like they did!
First they felt “alarmed” and “bewildered” over the empty tomb. Then they were “frightened” as they pondered what had happened and as they saw individuals wearing “gleaming white clothes.” Then the individuals “in white” remind them of Jesus’ words, “He is risen, just as He said.” Now joy is beginning to rise. Faith is being rekindled and the joy is rising. Then Jesus appears and their faith and joy go through the roof.
Where is your faith this Easter? Is it in a dark sealed tomb? Is it in an empty tomb? Or, is it in the risen Christ? I expect wherever your faith is, there will be your emotions in large part this Easter. We have a risen Savior. Experience His joy this Easter.