No wonder the disciples didn’t believe them. Out of breath from running and “afraid yet filled with joy” (Matthew 28:8), I imagine the women must have been a frenzy of excitement and confusion when they came back from the tomb. How could they fully explain the divine encounter they had just experienced?

What were “all these things”?

What they thought was their biggest barrier was removed when an angel rolled the stone away from the tomb. What they thought was their greatest sorrow became hope when they saw the empty place where Jesus was laid. What they thought was their worst fear was dispelled with the good news that Jesus had risen just as he said. And what they thought was devastating disappointment became their mission with the charge to go and tell the disciples they would also see Jesus again.

And so the women told all these things to the Eleven and all the others.

Can we do the same?

Whatever we think is going on right now because of our current life experiences, circumstances, or outlooks, Easter brings all these things into perspective.

Because on Easter, Jesus removed the biggest barrier of sin that kept us from God. Jesus comforts our greatest sorrow with the assurance of full and free forgiveness. Jesus dispels our worst fear with the good news that we will be with him forever. And Jesus gives clarity and purpose to what we do by commissioning us to share the good news we have.

This Easter, with the same good news the women had, let’s run to our families, friends, and communities. Because we also have all these things to tell!

Happy Easter!