Afraid . . . yet joyful. Who would this describe? A newly engaged couple? A mom-to-be? A student, on their first day of school? You, at a new job?

This unique blend of descriptors is actually found in Matthew 28:8. “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.”

The backdrop was the Sunday after Jesus’ crucifixion. Some of Jesus’ female followers went to the tomb to anoint His body with spices as was the custom. Imagine their surprise seeing the stone blocking the entrance moved aside and hearing an angel!

After the typical angel greeting, “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:5), they were given four directives. “Come and see the place where [Jesus] lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead” (Matthew 28:6b-7a).

Come. See. Go. Tell.

And the women did. They cautiously came closer and peeked into the tomb. No Jesus. It didn’t make sense. They couldn’t comprehend the whole “risen from the dead” piece but still, the ladies took steps to do what the angel instructed.

In fact, Mark records “Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb” too afraid to speak to anyone until they reached the disciples (Mark 16:8).

Then when those fearful, yet joyful, women shared the angel’s news, the disciples did not believe them.

But the gals had done what they’d been told to do. Even as they were filled with fear, questions, and doubts. They came. They saw. They went. And they told. (Note, they were not responsible for how others responded to the news.)

May we follow their example, not allowing fear, questions, and doubts to prevent us from celebrating and sharing the Good News. Jesus is alive!