Several days before this their Lord and Savior had been hanging on a cross, but now He was dead and buried in a tomb. And He had been dead for three days and three nights according to scripture. I wasn't there but I assume their mood was rather somber as they walked towards the tomb. And then there was an earthquake!
"There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone." - Matthew 28:2
The day was not going well for these two ladies, and the sun wasn't even up yet! But things were about to get better. They met an angel who had some good news to share.
"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; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” - Matthew 28:5-7
When you first came to believe that Jesus was who He said He was, and has truly risen from the dead, did YOUR mood change? I bet it did. Did you go running back to tell others what had just happened? Of course, you did! It's incredible news! News of a miracle!
Still, when the good news was brought to the other disciples, not all of them believed it. And these were disciples! Scripture says that some doubted, even after they had seen Jesus!
"When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted." - Matthew 28:17
Are you kidding me!?! He who was once dead was now standing in front of their eyes, and they still doubted!?!
When we encounter people in our lives and tell them about Jesus, the reason for our hope and joy, there will be some who will still doubt. Sadly, that's just the way it is. What does Jesus command us to do?
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus didn't say 'try to convince those who refuse to believe." He said to make disciples. Disciples are those who are willing to learn from their teacher. Some are simply not willing.
Earlier, Jesus had instructed His disciples to "shake the dust off your feet."
"And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town." - Matthew 10:14
Tomorrow is resurrection Sunday. It is a day we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead. That's good news! Shouldn't we be sharing it with others? Not everyone will believe the good news we share. But that's not our job. That's the Holy Spirit's job. Our job is to deliver the news.
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