Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

--Parallel verses:
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

The big question I have here is: Why did Jesus meet these women now?

I think it is for a few reasons:
1) He missed them.
2) He wanted to reward their faith.
3) He wanted to give them peace, as they were still a little bit afraid.

These women missed Jesus so much, the were willing to sacrifice all to tend to his body and honor him. They loved him like a brother and as their Lord. Such devoted love compels a supernatural reward.

This is also a good motivator for us, as well. It is not a guarantee or the reason we love Jesus, but if we love him in an all-out way, he tends to show himself to us in special, supernatural ways.

Finally, Jesus wanted to assure them of his complete authority and dominion, he wanted to give them peace in a trying time, and he wanted them to not worry about the future but to be filled with joy and hope.

So he came near them first. None of the men got this honor, because they did not show up. These precious women did.

The world gives us temporary peace, but it has conditions. It is dependent on sinful man, and is typically focused on self-serving needs. Jesus gives lasting peace that is found in him, the Rock of our Salvation. He gives without conditions, we just have to acknowledge him as Lord and Savior and ask for it.

Thank you, Father, for you amazing love which envelopes me in your wonder and grace. You love in ways so big, I can’t even comprehend it. Grow me in my love-ability, I pray!