Reactions to the Resurrection

Intro: When I was younger, I often found myself in trouble when I would press on or provoke people just to see if I could get a reaction from them. Reactions tell you a lot about where a persons mind is, what they are willing to do, and how far things go before falling apart. I acknowledge that being entertained by people’s reactions is not a spiritually sound way to live.

The reality though is we all react at times. Some of our reactions are good, and some not so good. Our reactions to what God is doing sets the course our lives will take.

Acting in ignorance

Mark 16:1–4 NKJV

1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large.

These grieving women came to the tomb that morning expecting something far different than the reality presented to them! They expected to morn. They expected horrific work of applying spices to a dead body of their friend and leader.

Luke 24:1 NKJV

1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.

I am grateful to these women who are seeking to continue their care for our Saviour even after His death.

Reacting poorly

Matthew 28:4 ESV

4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.

I do not disparage these soldiers for this reaction. FEAR is a very powerful emotion. Though these were men who were used to gruesome sites, they responded to a shiny angel of peace with a couple of wrong reactions. Passing out is not a safe option in this moment.

Let me say that this is a better response than the Jewish Religious Leadership who placed the guard there . They did not even come see if the thing they feared actually happened. They were not even bothered enough to be in the right place at the right time. I think this categorises many in our world today!

Matthew 28:11–15 NKJV

11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Now we really see a sinful reaction to the resurrection. These soldiers have many options and they choose a real bad one. Lie and coverup do not lead to righteousness, nor do they ever led to a better relationship with God.

Acting in duty

Matthew 28:2 NKJV

2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.

Angels do what God tells them to do. Here we see a couple of them at work. They role the stone back and at least one sets on it.

He set on the stone because it was a job well done.

I believe a second angel is inside looking at the place where Jesus’ body had been. The Gospel of Mark puts what happen next this way. Speaking of the women he writes...

Mark 16:5–7 NKJV

5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

This angel’s one duty is to declare the truth. To tell the people coming to see him the reality they did not expect.

That required the angel to speak peace first.

That required the angel to talk with them about what had happened that first Resurrection Sunday morning.

Graciously, that was also to include information about what was next. We don’t always get this information. Sometimes we may not want the information about what God has in store for us. However, in this case the ladies get clear directions and a task to complete by God!

Reacting in sharing

For all those who bash Christianity for lack of ladies roles, let me again point out that it is women who get the first assignment post resurrection! Don’t sell yourself short ladies.

Matthew 28:8–10 NKJV

8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

First told by the angel in the tomb, then told by Jesus Himself. I am grateful that God is sometimes willing to tell us more than once when He has a task for us to perform.

These women are different from the angels. The relationship they had with the Disciples was enough to spur the men on faithfullness.

Yes the ladies go.

Yes the ladies tell Jesus’ followers about Christ’s next move.

But what makes their role so special is that they stay with the Disciples and continue to help, motivate, and even complete the tasks the Lord had for His Church. We need more people today who will go and live their lives in order help even more understand and respond to Jesus.

Conclusion: Our reactions to what God is doing sets the course our lives will take.

Think of it! Jesus died on Good Friday knowing that His righteous/sinless life would bring about the events of Resurrection Sunday morning. His sacrifice on our behalf not only gives us forgiveness, but also empowers us for being part of what God is doing.

This Resurrection Sunday morning,

q1. Are you acting or reacting to what God is doing? Those acting are doing so out of

Those reacting are doing so from being pushed to a point where they change their plans in response.

q2. Can we think of a recent time we responded in a way that supports what God was doing?

q3. Today we support those God is calling into acts of service for Him!