As Easter draws near, I return to the familiar story of Jesus’ resurrection. Something about Mary and Mary Magdalene stood out to me this time. We often focus—rightly so—on the empty tomb. Yet, I found myself lingering on Mary and Mary Magdalene's response.
In Matthew, we read how these women were the first to discover that the tomb was empty. Then, an angel met them and gave them a clear command to go and tell the disciples of the news.
“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” Matthew 28:7-8 (ESV).
What struck me was the immediacy of their obedience. Amid their fear and overwhelming emotions, there was no hesitation. They ran. This verse says they went with fear and joy. They didn’t wait for the emotions to subside; they simply obeyed.
Isn’t that so practical for us today? We, too, have met the risen Christ. The empty tomb isn’t just a story we tell at Easter—it’s the truth that changed the world. And yet, how often do we hesitate to share this Good News? We tell ourselves we must be more prepared, knowledgeable, and less afraid. I, for one, am guilty of this.
These women remind us that the most important thing we need to share the Gospel is simply a willing heart. We don't have to have all of the answers—we just need to go. Whether that means sharing Christ’s love by crossing the street to encourage a neighbor, being the one who speaks up about Jesus at work, or supporting ministries that share the Gospel around the world, we are called to go—just as Mary and Mary Magdalene were on that first Easter morning.
By Olivia Hogsett, Communications Associate, April 2025
