Matthew 28:5 And the angel answered and said to the women, Fear not you: for I know that you seek Jesus, which was crucified. Never had women more cause to fear than these helpless creatures, who came forth with trembling steps, but loving hearts, to the sepulchre of the crucified Christ. Most blessed then to them must have been the angel's words, "Fear not." They speak to us as much as to the women at the sepulchre, etc. Light streams forth upon us in this passage from three distinct sources. I. From THE PERSONS ADDRESSED. 1. They were women, who from their sex were naturally timid, and had in themselves nothing to enable them to face a supernatural appearance, or any of the terrors of such a scene as we have here. The doctrine of inherent weakness. 2. From the emphatic word "YE," the most important instruction is to be derived. "Ye" are Jesus' friends; no cause for fear have "ye." Full of teaching to those, who, weak, frightened, sorrowful. are seeking Jesus. Also to His true disciples, however weak, etc. They stand in the power of their relationship to Christ, and need desire no more. II. FROM THE WORK IN WHICH THEY WERE ENGAGED. There was — 1. Loving personal search. They are blessed indeed who are thus seeking after Christ; like these women, they want to get to Himself. 2. Loving service. 3. Entire devotion to one rejected by the world. (P. B. Power, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. |
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