Life of Christ: The Resurrection (Mt. 28:1-15) (Possible Title: Responses/Reactions to the Resurrection)

Introduction: The First Words (Illustration for the significance of the first words from the Angel to the women)

Transition: The Resurrection Requirements are two Steps of 1 Command. (What all must do in light of this information

Come and See

Who came to see?

Pharisees and Roman Guards (Mt 27:62-66)

The Women

The Disciples

What did they expect to see? What did they want to see?

Everyone expected to see Him dead.

(JEWS) Although he had predicted his death repeatedly, his follows did not understand. The sentiment is captured when Jesus walks the road to Emmaus with two disciples who don’t recognize him. The two disciples say: (“Luke 24:21 “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.” )

Romans never cared either way, just don’t want riots

Pharisees wanted death and wanted an occupied tomb.

Disciples wanted life but accepted death.

No one expected life, even though he had made His plans clear.

Why did they come? What did they see? (Everyone responds, but not in faith)

Swoon Theory

“No Burial” Theory

“Hallucination” Theory

“Stolen Body”

Go and Tell

All who saw went back into the world, but what did they say (“tell”) in response?

Romans: Shocked, unsure (Matthew 28:11 “While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place.” )

Jews: Paid off for silence, not even convinced (“Mt 28:12-15)

Disciples mixed responses

Belief by sight (John 20:1-11)

Belief by touch (Thomas John 20:24-29) (John 20:29 “Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”” )

Matthew 28:18–20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

The Living God (What does it mean that our God is alive?

He speaks (Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

He saves (1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” )

He prepares (John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

He intercedes (Colossians 3:1 “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

Romans 8:34 “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

1 John 2:1 “…. if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Hebrews 7:25 “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

He is…He has always been… He always will be (His eternal life=our eternal life)

His resurrection is ours (firstborn of the living, spiritual for his physical, His righteousness is ours, His victory is ours)