The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 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. ” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings, ” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet, and worshiped him. 

Matthew 28: 5-9

The above passage of scripture fills my heart with joy.  Imagine being with the women who were the first to arrive at Jesus’ tomb, find it empty, be informed that he had risen from the dead, and then meet Jesus face to face after leaving the empty tomb!

In the culture at that time, women were often considered second-class citizens, but Jesus never thought of women in that way. He valued women and welcomed their presence as they followed him. Women were the first to appear at the empty tomb and the first to see him after his resurrection.

Many women today struggle with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness, myself included. We battle fears and insecurities. At times we may even feel like second-class citizens, but Jesus loves us. He cares for us and values us. He is right there with us through all of our insecurities and fears.

He has risen! If we have accepted him as our Lord and Savior, we can rejoice that death was defeated on the cross and we have eternal life through him.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 3: 16-17

That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord, ” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified , and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 

Romans 10: 9-10

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Romans 10: 13

As we celebrate Easter today, I pray we will rejoice along with the women who found the tomb empty, and that we too would clasp the feet of Jesus and worship him.