Jesus' Resurrection Ought to Produce Fear and Joy

Note from today’s Bible reading: Matthew 28

When certain women visited Jesus’ tomb on the first day of the week following His crucifixion, they were met by an angel who announced that “He has risen” and told them to inform His disciples (Matthew 28:6-7). Upon hearing this, they left “with fear and great joy and ran to report it” (Matthew 28:8).

These two emotions – fear and joy – may seem contradictory. Yet it is understandable. Seeing the angel – a divine being – would undoubtedly produce fear and awe. The uncertainty at the time of that announcement as to what this news meant also could have caused one to fear. And of course, the revelation that Jesus had risen from the dead would have produced great joy among His followers.

The fact that Jesus was raised from the dead should produce fear and joy in us today. His resurrection proves His divinity (Romans 1:4); therefore, we should serve Him with “godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28, NKJV). His resurrection also provides us with hope (1 Corinthians 15:20-22), which should naturally produce joy in our lives (cf. Romans 12:12).

So remember that Jesus’ resurrection ought to produce fear and joy. Since He is the Son of God – as was proven by His resurrection – let us fear Him and do His will. And because He has been raised from the dead, let us rejoice in the hope that we have of eternal life through Him.