The cross was the greatest humiliation of Christ, but it was also the
beginning of his exaltation.  He stood in the place of sinners and
endured the wrath of God on their behalf.  At the cross, Christ
achieved victory over Satan, death, and Hell.  By the cross, he will
draw all men to himself.

Jesus’ resurrection from the dead affirms to us that Jesus has
completed his earthly work of redemption and that he is indeed
glorious.  He took all of our sins upon himself, and he paid the full
penalty for those sins.  Thus, it would have been be unfair for the
grave to hold him forever.  When he was raised from the dead, he was
glorified by God for having completed his work, and so we are assured
that our ransom has been paid.

It was appropriate, then, that Jesus’ glorious resurrection from the
dead was accompanied by glorious signs.  A great earthquake and
angelic messengers struck fear into the hearts of the guards and
ultimately brought comfort to Jesus’ followers.

The angels told the women “He is not here, he has risen,” and then
told them to go look at the place where Jesus lay.  This served to
confirm to them that Jesus was indeed alive.  Christians in all ages
should take comfort in the empty tomb, for just as Jesus was raised,
so shall those who believe in him be raised.

The angel assigned these women with an important task.  They were to
go and tell Jesus’ “brothers” in Galilee of the Gentiles that Jesus
has risen.  Those who were once despised and outcast are brought into
the family of God, and are to report this good news to all men.
Through reporting the glory of the resurrection, Christ is glorified
and God’s name is made great.