SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 28
THE RESURRECTION (vs. 1-10)
After the Sabbath at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. Suddenly, there was a violent earthquake and an angel of the Lord came down from heaven. His appearance was like lightning and his clothes were white as snow. They went to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. The guards were frightened and became like dead men.
The angel told the women: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go and tell his disciples. He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.” (v.5-7) So the women filled with joy ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Jesus said to them: “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (v. 10)
THE GUARD’S REPORT (vs. 11-15)
The guards went into the city to report to the chief priest what had happened. The chief priests and the soldiers bribed the guards a large sum of money telling them that the disciples came to steal Jesus at night while you were asleep. So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.
THE GREAT COMMISSION (vs. 16)
The eleven disciples went to Galilee to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they worshiped him but some doubted. Then Jesus said” “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (vs. 18-20)
THOUGHTS:
The resurrection of Jesus is a vital part of the gospel message. The empty tomb proves that Jesus is the Son of God. The angel gave Mary four messages:
- Don’t be afraid. (v. 5) – Resurrection brings joy not fear.
- He is not here. He has risen. (v. 6a) – God is alive.
- Come and see the place where he lay. (v. 6b) – Check the evidence of an empty tomb.
- Go quickly and tell his disciples. (v. 7) – Spread the good news about Jesus’ resurrection.
THE LAST WORDS JESUS LEFT TO HIS DISCIPLES BEFORE HE ASCENDED TO HEAVEN:
- Go.
- Make disciples of all nations.
- Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
- Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
GOD’S PROMISE:
“Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (v. 20)