Resurrection Response

Resurrection Responses Christmas – Easter Comparison • Similarities: Life, Death, Angels, Women, Disbelief, Fear, Rejoicing • Differences: 1. Timing – calendar certainty vs. rotating Sunday 2. Culture – mangers vs. eggs 3. Scripture – straightforward vs. chaotic 4. Meaning – hope and joy vs. death and power 5. Application – concrete vs. abstract Response of Immediate Worship (28:1-10) • Context – in slight defiance of previous events. • Supernatural Events – the earth and the guards quaked; angelic appearance evoking ancient descriptions of God’s host (Ezekiel 1:13; Zechariah 9:14) • Natural Response – fear mingled with joy • Directed Response – bold, informed proclamation Response of Rebellion (28:11-15) • The Rebels Believed – the guards had no need of faith; the Jewish leaders believed the story entirely (Matthew 27:63). • The Rebels Covered – “they exchanged the truth about God for a lie” (Romans 1:25); the guards were rather obedient to this scheme • The Rebels Sacrificed – the Jewish leaders paid handsomely for their lie. • The Rebels Proclaimed – they broadcast the lie with evangelistic fervor (see Mark 1:45; Matthew 9:31) Response of Extended Worship (28:16-20) • Obedience – Jesus had predetermined the place • Worship – this worship was not their first (Matthew 14:33), but by far the most definitive. • Retrospect – Jesus connects the resurrection with his claims; his rising with his power. • Proclamation – extended worship means worldwide proclamation of his Word (28:20) Conclusions • The resurrection is a polarizing fact that demands both recognition and obedience. • The Christ-directed response to the resurrection is bold proclamation to Christians first and to the world immediately after.