HOPE OVER FEAR

 April 6, 2026

Matthew 28:1–10

28 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples.

I wonder if some days you wake up and feel like the women at the tomb? You are doing the faithful thing, yet carrying a knot of fear in your stomach. The women were not expecting a miracle that day. They were expecting to manage their grief, not be the witnesses to resurrection.

In truth, many of us begin our days this way, present in body, yet guarded and bracing for what lies ahead.

But then God does what God always does: He changes the course, God alters the script.

An earthquake. An angel. A stone rolled away. It’s as if heaven says, “Fear doesn’t get the final word today.” And when the angel says, “Do not be afraid,” it’s not a rebuke. It’s an invitation. Almost like: “You’re seeing things as they were. Let Me show you how they are now.”

The women came expecting death. They left carrying hope. They came trembling. They left running. They came as mourners. They left as messengers.

That is resurrection at work, fear doesn’t miraculously disappear, but it loses its authority, its grip. Hope rises in the places where fear once ruled. 

And maybe that is the invitation for us today: Don’t wait until we feel brave and courageous. But to lean in and continue to walk toward Jesus even while you are afraid. 

Matthew 28:9-10 ends this account with these words: "Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”  

Do you hear that? Jesus meets us on the way as we are doing the faithful thing!

Today's Action Step

Name one fear that’s been shaping your decisions lately.

Let's Pray

“Risen Jesus, help me walk toward You even when I feel afraid.” Amen.