What Message Were They Given?
Introduction
The question “What message were they given?” refers to a powerful moment recorded in the New Testament of the Bible, during the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the Gospel narratives, a group of women who visited Jesus’ tomb early on the first day of the week received a life-changing message from an angelic figure.
This message is central to Christian belief, as it confirms the resurrection of Jesus and the fulfillment of His promise to rise again. Understanding this message helps explain the foundation of Easter faith and the hope it represents.
The Setting of the Message
Early in the morning, just after the Sabbath, several women went to Jesus’ tomb. They expected to find His body still lying there. Instead, they encountered something completely unexpected.
Key Background Points:
- Jesus had been crucified and buried in a sealed tomb
- A large stone had been placed at the entrance
- Roman guards were stationed to secure the tomb
- The women went to anoint Jesus’ body with spices
- They were worried about who would roll away the stone
However, when they arrived, the stone had already been moved, and the tomb was empty.
The Heavenly Message They Received
Inside or near the tomb, the women encountered an angelic messenger. This figure delivered a message that changed history and became the foundation of Christian proclamation.
The Core Message:
The angel said:
- “Do not be afraid”
- “He is not here; He has risen”
- “Just as He said”
- “Come and see the place where He lay”
- “Go quickly and tell His disciples”
This message can be summarized in one powerful truth:
Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.
Meaning of the Message
The message given to the women carried deep spiritual meaning. It was not only an announcement of an empty tomb but also a declaration of victory over death.
1. “Do Not Be Afraid”
The women were frightened when they saw the angel and the empty tomb. The first part of the message was meant to calm them.
- Fear is a natural human reaction to the supernatural
- The message begins with comfort and reassurance
- It signals that God’s actions bring peace, not terror
2. “He Is Not Here”
This statement confirmed that the body of Jesus was no longer in the tomb.
- The tomb was empty
- Death could not hold Him
- His physical absence confirmed a miraculous event
3. “He Has Risen”
This is the central message of Christianity.
- Jesus overcame death through divine power
- It fulfilled His earlier predictions of resurrection
- It confirmed His identity as the Son of God
4. “Just As He Said”
This phrase reminded the women that Jesus had already predicted His resurrection.
- Jesus spoke about rising on the third day
- His words were now proven true
- It reinforced faith in His teachings
5. “Come and See”
The angel invited them to witness evidence for themselves.
- The tomb was empty except for burial cloths
- Faith was supported by visible proof
- God invites belief based on truth, not confusion
6. “Go Quickly and Tell”
The message was not meant to stay private.
- The women were instructed to share the news
- They became the first witnesses of the resurrection
- This marks the beginning of Christian testimony
Who Received the Message?
Different Gospel accounts mention the women who went to the tomb early in the morning.
Commonly Mentioned Names:
- Mary Magdalene
- Mary, the mother of James
- Salome (in some accounts)
- Other women followers of Jesus
These women were devoted followers who remained faithful even after Jesus’ crucifixion.
The Importance of the Message
The message given at the tomb is considered one of the most significant announcements in Christian history.
Spiritual Importance:
- Confirms Jesus’ resurrection
- Establishes hope in eternal life
- Demonstrates victory over sin and death
- Strengthens the foundation of Christian faith
Historical Impact:
- Led to the rapid spread of Christianity
- Became the central theme of apostolic preaching
- Transformed fearful followers into bold witnesses
Emotional Impact on the Women
The women experienced a dramatic shift in emotions during this event.
Their Journey of Emotions:
- Fear when approaching the tomb
- Shock at the empty tomb
- Awe when seeing the angel
- Joy upon hearing the resurrection news
- Urgency to share the message
This emotional transformation highlights the power of the message they received.
Why This Message Matters Today
Even today, this message continues to carry meaning for millions of believers around the world.
Modern Relevance:
- It represents hope in difficult times
- It encourages faith beyond fear
- It assures believers of life after death
- It inspires sharing of good news
Conclusion
The message they were given at the tomb was simple yet profoundly powerful: Jesus is not here—He has risen. This announcement transformed fear into faith, sorrow into joy, and doubt into belief. It became the cornerstone of Christian teaching and remains one of the most important declarations in religious history.