Perhaps you have noticed the significant role special women had in the passion of our Lord. They were present at the cross as their Savior died. So why should Easter morning be any different?

While a few brave, but frightened women came to the tomb early Sunday morning after the crucifixion to pay their final tribute to Jesus, the disciples were still gathered in the upper room with the doors shut in fear. They looked upon the death of their master as a terrible tragedy and they were nearly in a state of despair.

These women were headed to the tomb with spices to embalm the body of Jesus, but they both had a question of great concern on their minds, "Who will roll back the stone from the tomb for us?" When they looked up approaching the tomb they discovered that the huge stone that had been placed at the opening of the tomb had already been rolled back. God had taken care of that concern and these women walked right into the tomb where they were astonished to see an angel that appeared to them as a young man dressed in white.

Note the message of the angel, "Don't be afraid. I know you're looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the one they nailed on the cross. He's been raised up; He's here no longer. You can see for yourselves that the place is now empty. Now - on your way. Tell His disciples and Peter that He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You'll see Him there, exactly as He said." The angel seeks to comfort them, knowing that they had come to see Jesus. Yes, He was crucified, but that was in the past. They must not dwell on His crucifixion because He has risen! This is joyful news. He is not here. See where He was. He is not dead, but alive. His body was not stolen, but Jesus has risen.

So the women were told, "Now - on your way. Tell His disciples and Peter that He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You'll see Him there, exactly as He said."

The Message of the Risen Christ is for all

I. Followers

This is the message the women were instructed to "Go tell the disciples." Remember that these last few days had been very sad and difficult ones for them. They had actually seen their Master crucified and placed in the tomb. They think that their dear Master is dead and all their hopes and dreams were buried in His grave. These women and the male disciples too, had been in despair since Jesus died on the cross.

With this background these women were told to go tell the disciples that their Master has risen from the dead. Jesus had prophesied that He would die and be raised up on the third day. At first they were in such despair that they failed to believe. However, Jesus compassionately took care of having an angel speak to the women and then relay the message to them. The message was that He had risen. It they did not believe, there was more to the message for them. He was actually going before them to Galilee where they could see Him.

We may think back to the events on Thursday night before they left the upper room.

1. After singing a hymn, they went out to
2. the Mount of Olives.
3. And Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away, because it is written,
4. 'I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP SHALL BE SCATTERED.' 28" But after I have been raised,
5. I will go ahead of you to Galilee."

Well, of course, Jesus kept His word. After He rose from the dead Jesus did indeed go before them to Galilee.

The wonderful message that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead is a timely message for all followers of Jesus today, too! The message passed on by the women has also been passed on to us. We too, have opportunity to be followers of Jesus and to tell others the message.

Perhaps some of us have been unfaithful - and don't think we are worthy to be called followers.

The Message of the Risen Christ is for all

II. Failures

Note that the instruction of the angel to the women was to "Go tell His disciples and Peter." Yes, this was a message for all followers, but also for Peter and anyone else who felt they were a failure. The women must be sure to tell Peter. Jesus of course knew of the torment Peter was experiencing, his sorrow for his sin of denying His master.

If the angel had only said, "Go tell His Disciples." Peter might have thought that the joy of this good news must not belong to him. Peter might have sighed and said to himself, "I doubt that I can look upon myself as one of His disciples. Three times I denied Him. I disowned Him and deserve to be disowned by Him."

This special message is to be given to Peter by name. Tell him that he shall be as welcome as the rest of the disciples to see Jesus in Galilee.

Conclusion:

The sight of Christ is welcome to the true penitent.
The true penitent is a welcome sight to Christ.

Have you ever messed up and blown it? Have you ever made a mistake? Have you ever had an opportunity to stand up for Jesus, but because of the people that were watching, you acted as if you did not know Christ? Have you ever denied Christ? If so, the message of the risen Christ is for you also.

The message of the risen Christ is for all follower of Jesus.
The message of the risen Christ is for all failures.
The Resurrection changed failures into true followers two thousand years ago and has the power to do the same for us today.

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