“Do not be afraid.”

Matthew 28:8-10, So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

The soldiers did not fare as well in the presence of the angel who rolled back the stone, whose appearance was like lightning, for in fear they “trembled and fell as dead men.” And the women who encountered the angel and heard his message of the risen Christ had fear mixed with joy but his first words to them are “Do not be afraid!” And we encouraged that even when we have trouble, that we must take heart, for he has overcome the world. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Thank you that faith is the victory that overcomes the world!

ESV Lectionary