(1) Repeated words in v.1-8
16:5 Then as they went into the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.
16:6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed
The women were alarmed because they did not expect the body of Jesus to be gone and a young man would sit in the tomb. However, they did not run away at this time. They listened to what the young man said.
16:8 Then they went out and ran from the tomb, for terror and bewilderment had seized them. And they said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
After the young man finished saying what was recorded in v.6-7 they were in terror, in in bewilderment that they ran away. They were also afraid and did not transmit the message to the disciples (probably just a period of time, because the conversation of the young man was eventually recorded in the Gospel).
(2) The key to the passage therefore is v.6-7. What made the women so afraid?
16:6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been raised! He is not here. Look, there is the place where they laid him. 16:7 But go, tell his disciples, even Peter, that he is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you.”
Note, the same group of women was the witness of Jesus' death 15:40-41. burial 15:47 and resurrection v.6. They knew for sure Jesus had died and was buried in this tomb. They witnessed the same spot that His body laid was empty.
Since they were the witnesses they were given a responsibility: tell Jesus' disciples. Jesus was resurrected and would see them again as He told them. Note, the angel specifically mentioned Peter. "Even Peter" should be included in this message. Even the one who denied Jesus 3 times are included. Jesus wanted to see him, too!
(3) Reflection:
Not only were the women given the responsibility to be the witnesses, we are also called to be the witnesses (Acts 1:8). Tell others how the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (the salvation of Jesus) changes you. If our lives are saved by Jesus, how much more shall we let God use us? Only Sunday morning?
Even though we went through some weakness, God can still use us after our repentance. Even Peter was included.
Audrey
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