Scripture References
Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-10
Main Idea
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything for us, giving us new life, hope, and freedom, and empowering us to share this good news with others.
Read: Matthew 28:1-20
Jesus Has Risen
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
The Guards’ Report
11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.
12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money,
13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’
14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.
The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 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,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Summary
When Jesus rose from the dead, everything changed. Nothing would ever be the same again. His resurrection ensures the future resurrection of every believer. When He rose from the dead, it was a proclamation to the whole world that the Father had accepted His sacrifice on our behalf. This means we can be certain that our sins are truly paid for! We can be certain that no more wrath remains for the believer! We can be certain that just as the Father raised Jesus from the dead, He will raise us from the dead. We can be certain that we will live with Him forever in glory! We have hope, we have a future, we have an inheritance, and we have reconciliation and forgiveness, all because of Jesus’ resurrection. His resurrection changes everything for us.
Questions
- How does the resurrection of Jesus change everything for us, both now and for eternity?
- How can we live a life of joy, hope, and freedom in the resurrection power of Jesus?
- How can we share the good news of the resurrection with others, just as the women and disciples did on this day?
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to embrace the pain and suffering of Jesus’ death on the cross. Help us to turn from our sins and be moved to faith by seeing Jesus’ great love for us. Give us the grace we need to rely on His sacrifice only. In Jesus’ name, amen.