The first words of the Risen Christ to His disciples were 'Do not be afraid.' Not a theological discourse, not a doctrinal correction — simply, tenderly: do not be afraid.
Fear is the opposite of resurrection faith. Fear keeps us locked in upper rooms. Fear makes us deny Christ at charcoal fires. Fear sends us running from Calvary. But Easter shatters every lock, extinguishes every fear, and calls us out of our hiding places into the blazing light of the risen Son.
The disciples who cowered behind locked doors on Good Friday became the fearless apostles of Pentecost. What changed? Not their circumstances — the Roman Empire was still oppressive, the religious authorities still hostile. What changed was their encounter with the Risen Lord.
This Easter, hear Christ's words spoken directly to you: Do not be afraid. Whatever tomb holds you captive — addiction, grief, loneliness, sin — the stone has been rolled away. Come out into the light.
