"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."
Oh! what a joyful meeting was here. And is it not so frequently in life? Doth not Jesus meet and bless his people, even when at times he is least expected? Oh! did I but always keep in remembrance how near Jesus is, and looking on; what blessed enjoyments I should have which are now overlooked and forgotten, by my poor forgetful heart.
I must not omit calling the Reader's attention, to that gracious trait of character in our Lord, when sending the women to his disciples that they might inform them of the great event; he calls them brethren. One of the sacred Writers saith, that Jesus is not ashamed to call them brethren. Hebrews 2:11. And what endears it more particularly at this time was, that now he was about to enter into his glory. So that, if a child of God, any poor afflicted one of the Lord's family was tempted by the enemy, or by the corruptions and unbelief of his own heart, to question whether any change towards his people here below, had taken place in the heart of Jesus, after he arose from the dead; this silenceth at once every fear. For the very first message he sent to his disciples after his resurrection was, Go, tell my brethren. And, to manifest the nearness and dearness of affection, into which Jesus had brought his whole Church, both to himself and Father, he said to Mary; Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father and your father; and to my God and your God. John 20:17. Oh! what a lovely view of our all-lovely and all-loving Jesus!