Women, they were the first.

Before full daylight, faithful women began a mission of love. Laden with spices to anoint His body, they approached the Master’s tomb contemplating how to remove the large stone barrier.  

Finding it open puzzled them. The stone lay off to the side, affording them access to the burial place. Consider the women’s frame of mind as they discovered Jesus was not inside His place of burial.

Where is He? 
 
Suddenly, they encountered two men dressed in radiant clothing. Fright griped them as they fell to the ground. The men asked a pertinent question. “Why do you seek the living among the dead (Luke 24:5b NKJV)?” 

A messenger continued.

“He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again (Luke 24:6-7 NKJV).” 

But… They saw Jesus die. 

Three days had passed since His lifeless body had been placed inside the sealed tomb. Yet, as the sun began to rise, hope and joy rose in their hearts.  

“So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word (Matthew 28:8 NKJV).” 

On their way, they met the risen Christ. He calmed their fears.  

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me (Matthew 28:10 NKJV).” 

He’s alive!

Prejudice against women prevailed as they shared their experience with the disciples. 

“And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them (Luke 24:11 NKJV).” 

The disciples received affirmation of Jesus’ resurrection in the remainder of the 11th chapter of Luke’s Gospel.

Jesus is indeed alive and the women’s message was verified. 
 
Don’t lose track of the women’s prized privileges. They were the first to see the open tomb, first to hear an announcement of His resurrection, first to behold the risen Savior.

Women, they were the first appointed messengers to carry the gospel; the good news of Jesus conquering death.