Hallelujah! Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!

The resurrection of the crucified Christ Jesus is the turning point of the New Testament and at the heart of the Christian faith. All of the gospel centers around the death of death. This passage in Matthew's gospel shows us that there are two reactions to this miraculous event. Fear is at the heart of the responses to the earthquake inducing resurrection.

1) The Roman guards trembled in fear like dead men.

2) The faithful women disciples were encouraged not to fear but to proclaim the resurrection to the male Apostles and to the world.

By faith the women received comfort amidst their fear. Through sinful skepticism, the Roman guards received the consequences of their unbelief.

Which way to you respond to the resurrection of the crucified Christ Jesus?