“And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid.
Matthew 28:7-10

The angels told the first who went to the tomb after Jesus rose, to go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead” (v.7). Then Jesus told them “Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me." (v.10) Who were these first at the tomb, who were also the first to tell the disciples that Jesus had risen? Women.

It is interesting to note that in that day and culture, a woman’s testimony was not even considered in a court of law. So why did Jesus entrust these women to be the first to “testify” that Jesus had risen from the dead? After all, why not choose more credible witnesses than these women?

First, I’m sure we all understand that a woman’s testimony is no more or no less to be trusted than a man’s testimony. The dismissal of a woman’s testimony may have been a cultural norm, but it was completely wrong. Thank God for these and the many women throughout history who have borne witness concerning Jesus and the Gospel—from which we have received great benefit.

Second, let us be encouraged. We may feel that our testimony and efforts of witnessing for Christ and the Gospel are not going to be believed. They may not be. Maybe by many. But praise God that our credibility, and our (often not-so-smooth) communication is not the defining issue. It is the testimony of the Holy Spirit speaking through us that causes people to believe!

Let us be eager to tell people about Jesus—whether we are believed or written off as “kooks”! The Holy Spirit will save the Lord’s people. Our responsibility is but to tell.

Errol