Matthew 28:8-11-15

As we return to our journey through Matthew’s Gospel, find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.

If you haven’t already, read Matthew 28:1-10 before you go on. Now, with the story of the faith of the two Marys in mind, read today’s passage, Matthew 28:11-15.

Matthew is a master at showing the contrast in how different people react to Jesus. As we have seen, the two Marys reacted in faith and were entrusted with spreading the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection. But the guards, though free to choose what they would do with all they had seen and heard, reacted by accepting a bribe and spreading a falsehood.

The women chose to listen to the instructions of Jesus and follow the path of obedience. But, out of greed, the Roman guards chose to accept the plan of the panicking religious leaders and headed instead down the path of deception. One decision led to life and blessing; the other to lies and hopelessness.

Get still for a moment and picture two paths of decision as a fork in the road where one way requires faith and obedience and the other holds out the promise of temporal gain. Consider asking the Holy Spirit to speak to you about how this might relate to the big and small decisions in front of you currently.

Read Matthew 28:11-15 again with this in mind.

The message the women carried with them spread to the other disciples - and eventually all over the earth - and it brought hope to millions of people. The message of the guards spread widely among the first century Jews and undoubtedly led many astray.

What we say matters, both to us and to those around us.

We may never know the extent of the ripple effect of our words. But we can be assured that if we are following Jesus’ directions, our words can be pebbles of life and hope that have the potential to spread God’s Kingdom further than we could ever imagine.

For the remainder of this time of meditation, go to silence and let all your thoughts settle. When you feel centered ask Jesus to speak to you about what you have read and thought about today.

What do you sense Jesus saying?

What will you do about it?

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