“All Hail”

The first words spoken at the resurrection of Jesus may seem strange to us, but the Lord always chooses his words carefully.  It makes us see the resurrection new and fresh today.  “All hail.” Hopefully, you’ll realize Jesus is saying the same to you.

Matthew 28: 8 “and they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”

Jesus met the women as they left the tomb that morning, and of all words to say to them he simply said“all hail.”  In this we can see Easter from the perspective of the Lord. We consider the death, burial and resurrection, and we should, because we needed a Savior. We need what he accomplished for us. Have you ever thought about how Jesus felt about it? Joy doesn’t solely belong to the believer. It belonged first to the Lord. The book of Hebrews says “Looking unto Jesus….who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame….”

The disciples and other followers of Jesus were still confused after the Sabbath. They didn’t know what to do, but the women knew. Even though they thought Jesus was dead, they still desired to be with him above any other place they could be. Devoted to the Lord, they came with a heavy heart to anoint his body. They had come to him many times through the past three years. This time they knew there was a job ahead of them.

The stone was rolled in front of the tomb. Pilate’s own seal made it tight. Guards were placed at the door of the tomb. There was no other way in or out.  Once a body was put in there, it was not to come out. Though faced with this, they were not afraid. They spoke of it asking “who will roll the stone away?” It was threatening, but they knew somehow it would work out. They had faith, but in what?  They thought Jesus was dead. They didn’t understand it, but they came to the garden anyway. The fact is that thinking Jesus was dead, they still believed in him. They were more dedicated now. How much more we should be dedicated to the Lord. They didn’t know Jesus was alive.  We know it; we should be more like these women.

The efforts of the women were not in vain. When they got to the tomb they saw an angel sitting on the stone. He invited them into the tomb. They were met by two more angels, one at the foot and one at the head of the grave. There was nothing between them but grave clothes that looked like someone came through them. They were not messed up; the napkin over his face lay neatly by itself. The devil said “he’s dead.”  The Sanhedrin said “he’s dead.” It didn’t matter. The tomb was empty. Only blood stained garments remained.  The Lord had risen, and his objective was to meet the women. The angels told the women to go tell the disciples that Jesus was not there and had risen from the dead. On their way they met the Lord. That morning when they choose Jesus, they found him in total reality for the first time in their lives.  Someone was anxious to meet them.  Jesus was right in their path. We can’t get around Jesus. No matter what path we take he’s there. All we need to do is recognize him as the women did. Jesus didn’t have to explain a thing. He didn’t say “ta-da, here I am!”  He simply said “all hail.” That doesn’t mean much to our culture. It did then. Jesus was not formal, but with a smile he said “hello.”  He greeted them as if nothing had happened. All that the devil, the world, and even death tried, it didn’t stop Jesus from coming through it all; he was alive and alive forevermore.

His suffering didn’t begin on Good Friday; it began with his first breath in the stable. He suffered hardships through his life. He knew poverty, heart break, heart aches, challenges—everything that we endure, Jesus endured.  Found guilty of nothing, he still anguished in the garden, was betrayed by a follower, paraded like a criminal, crowned with thorns, beaten, and then forced to carry a cross to his death. His last breath and his last drop of blood accomplished his reason for coming.

Now he was alive.  His first appearance was to these women. What would you see if you looked into his eyes at this time? What would you hear in his voice?  They saw relief, happiness, and delight. There was a sparkle in his eyes. The suffering was done. He said “hello.” Can’t you see and hear the satisfaction and joy? He spoke from the depths of his heart knowing all had been done for the souls of these women who followed him so faithfully. All had been done for the salvation of souls of the entire world.

He is risen and offers salvation for you. He greets you with the same smile. He has the utmost desire to be your Savior. Can you say “hello” back to him? OR will you run?  Will you try to avoid him? How can you not return the greeting? After what he did for you, how can you not say “hello?” What is your response?