"If You Know It, Say It"

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Mark 16.8 NIV

“Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.”

Most of us are afraid to talk about ourselves, our struggles, our sin. There are repercussions. Acknowledging our reality has consequences. We learn to observe the world, gather experiences, form opinions and, unfortunately, usually keep it all to ourselves. We keep our mouths shut. We dare not jeopardize our hard earned reputation, strategic alliances, or social networks. Who suffers by our silence? Those who need to know. In the end, everyone suffers from undisclosed truth.

Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8.32). But the truth can only deliver the liberty it promises when those who know it say it, whatever the cost. While the pressure to remain silent is nearly insurmountable, the living Christ, who Himself is the truth, can impart the peace and courage we need to convey the truth.

The women who discovered Christ’s empty tomb fled “trembling and bewildered.... They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.” They had reason to fear. They anticipated their incredible story of resurrection would be discounted as the wild fantasies of impressionable Jesus followers. These ladies stood to lose any remnants of credibility they possessed by talking such foolishness. Even after her firsthand encounter with the risen Lord, Mary Magdalene was marginalized by the people she trusted the most.

“When they heard that He was alive

and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it.”
Mark 16.11 NASU

There is a price to pay for those who tell the truth about themselves. But to say “nothing” will eventually cost even more.