“Come, See” then “Go, Tell”
Easter Monday’s Verses:
From Matthew 28:5-7 ESV
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”
But we Lutherans don’t believe that’s the end of the story. Sure, we talk a lot about the Theology of the Cross. We look to the crucified Christ in order to see God’s love for us. But right here at the empty tomb, the angel is directing the women’s attention—and our attention—to the physical reality of the resurrection.
Pay attention to what the angel says first: “Do not be afraid.” Whenever we’re in the presence of holy things or the divine, our first reaction is usually fear because we know how sinful we are. But this angel waves away that fear—not because these women deserve to be afraid—but because of who they’re seeking: Jesus Christ, who was crucified. Three words sum up the Gospel: “He is not here.” If Jesus were still in that tomb, we could believe in Him and have a nice little theology, but it wouldn’t help us when we die. But He has risen. The cry of “it is finished” on Good Friday now echoes throughout all of eternity. Your sin has been paid for—not just forgiven but paid for. Death itself has been defeated, hurled into the grave with Him.
“He is not here; He has risen.” The angel commands them to “Come, see” and then go tell.” That is the rhythm of the Christian life. We gather here to Divine Service to see the Lord where He has promised to be present—in the Bread and the Wine and in the Word. And then we’re sent out to tell the world around us that death doesn’t have the final word.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You did not stay dead but rose again to justify us. When we let fear of our past or anxiety about our future rob us of this truth, remind us of the empty tomb. Help us to look for You where You have promised to be found and to live in the joy of knowing that Christ has won the victory over sin and death. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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