Reflecting on Matthew 28:1-10
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus.” (Matthew 28:5)
As a Jesus follower, fear for God is not a big part of my faith.
I don’t mean fear as a sense of awe or respect, that is part of my faith.
But I do not shake or cower with terror or dread.
For in Jesus I have met perfect love, who drives out fear (1 John 4:18).
Both the soldiers and the women experienced a moment of fear.
But the women were blessed by a message from God, through the angels.
This message is often repeated in the gospels: “do not be afraid!”
The reason they do not need to fear is because they are looking for Jesus.
As I see it, this makes all the difference.
God knows their hearts, that they are sincere in their intent.
God knows their despair, their deep sense of loss, yet their longing for Jesus.
This sincerity of seeking, despite not understanding, is enough.
Their imperfect love is enfolded by perfect love – NO FEAR!
As Jesus followers, our message should not be one of fear.
We should not begin with fear, or judgment, or guilt.
Imagine parenting this way, using fear to motivate your children.
Jesus did not use fear to motivate Zacchaeus (Luke 19).
Jesus did not use fear to motivate the accused woman (John 8).
He called any and all with perfect love first.
And that experience of perfect love is what led to repentance and life change.
“God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance!” (Romans 2:4)
Not the other way around.
It is grace that leads my heart to fear, and grace that relieves those fears.
Grace does not produce a cowering sense of dread and terror that drives us away.
It produces an awe and wonder at such love, such mercy, such goodness.
We see our own weakness in love, and it humbles us before Jesus.
Yet the Spirit of Jesus whispers to our humbled hearts, “do not be afraid”.
My sense is that most people are looking for hope and help and love.
They are really looking for Jesus, though they do not realize it.
Sadly many have rejected the idea of Jesus they learned about it church.
A Jesus that is always watching for sin, and judging them for it.
A Jesus that favours the in group, and frowns on outsiders and strugglers.
Our job is not to condemn, convert or change peoples’ lives.
Our job is not to frighten them so that they can repent to receive grace.
Our job as Jesus followers is to introduce them to “perfect love” in Jesus.
Our job is to grace them, to let them hear the Spirit of Jesus…
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28)
As the Spirit of Jesus wins them with love, He will also convict and change them.
Love, not fear, not judgment, not guilt, is the best motivation for change.
We can join the angel in encouraging seekers, strugglers and sinners…
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus.” (Matthew 28:5)
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, it is the overwhelming experience of love, not of fear or dread, that draws me to You. And this love motivates me to be more loving, more gracious, more kind, so that others can experience it!
Use my voice and my life to drive out fear in others with Your perfect love!
Faith over fear. This was on a sign I saw during covid. As with the women coming to the grave, God met them where they were at and gave them the hope they needed. To see their Saviour. That hope is still available today through the presence of His Spirit, His encourager, for all who come to Jesus. We all need His strength and guidance in our daily living. Open my ears Lord and open my eyes Lord so that I may see Your leading and guiding as You did for those women at the grave site. May others see Your presence in my life. I need to be like Christ unto them.