The Beginning

by Timothy Howe

    Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” 
     Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Mt 28:1–10, 16-20 ESV

Our Faith Began with a Disturbance. 

An Earthquake powerful enough rolled away the stone to reveal an empty tomb.

Our Faith Began with an Appearance.

An angel appeared to the women; the women were not left alone. 

Our Faith Began with an Announcement.

The angel announced what had happened; the women were not left wondering.

Our Faith Began with an Encounter.

The women encountered Jesus and immediately worshiped Him realizing the great change that had taken place for them and for all humanity.

Our Faith Began with a Command to Tell.

Jesus commanded the women to tell the disciples what had happened and what He expected of them. Jesus then commanded all of His disciples to tell people about the events of His life. Telling the story of Jesus is an integral part of the faith experience for each Christian.

Our Faith Began with a Promise.

Jesus promised His disciples that He would always be with them. His promise holds true for us today. 

May we each tell His story, 

trusting in His presence.