Now What?

What do you do when things don’t work out as you anticipated. How do you make the necessary adjustments. How do you figure out the next step?

The morning of the resurrection actually threw a curve ball at his followers.

As much as he had told them that he would rise from the dead it had not really sunk in. They had not really comprehended what Jesus had shared.

Jesus had reminded them Matthew 17:22 22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed. (Mt 17:22–23).

Mark 9: 31-32 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. (MK 9:31-32)

In Luke 9:43-45 But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, 44 “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. (Lk 9:43–45).

Jesus had literally said let this sink in. He would be delivered into the hands of men.

So when we find the women who arrived at the tomb they were disillusioned. In Matthews account we have Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrived at the tomb of Jesus. Mark lets us know they did not just show up out of curiosity. They were not grave robbers. They came with purpose. He made it clear that Mary Magdalene, Mary of James Salome and other women form Luke’s account came to anoint Jesus body with spices.

These women loved Jesus. They were the same women that were at the cross. They were devoted to him and wanted to see his body treated with dignity and respect. They wanted to do their part to honor him.

Yet arriving to the tomb they are met with a surprise. A surprise that is the bases of FAITH. A Savior who has risen!!!

In their astonishment they get some next steps. Out of all they concerned like who will remove the stone or the anxiety if the posted guards would even allow them to enter the tomb that is all lifted with great news. The stone had been rolled away. They are greeted by a visitor dressed in a white robe saying You seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He has risen he is not here.

Have you ever showed up to someone house just ti find out they are not there? Well they had anticipated seeing the body of Jesus. He is risen, He is not here. They were alarmed. I sure the immediately thought the worse! What has happened to Jesus?

How much more can they take? The witnessing the brutal passion of Christ. Now the disappearance of his body.

First the can Now appreciate the impossibilities of God

5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. (Mt 28:5–6).

How many can appreciate God works in the realm of impossibility. When it seems it can’t be done God can make it happen! There is nothing to hard for God.

I'm referring to "the God of impossibilities," the One who has limitless power, who has never—and will never—meet an intimidating obstacle He cannot overcome, an aggressive enemy He cannot overwhelm, a final decision He cannot override, or a powerful person He cannot overshadow.

The concept of “the God of impossibilities” refers to the limitless power and ability of our Heavenly Father to accomplish what is humanly impossible. It signifies that there is no problem, challenge, or situation that is too difficult for God to handle 1. This profound idea emphasizes that God can overcome any obstacle, overwhelm aggressive enemies, override final decisions, and overshadow powerful individuals

Seeing Jesus dead and lifeless body being hurried to a tomb before Sabbath. Seeing all the events surrounding the crucifixion. (Explain)

Secondly We must follow new plan when presented

7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. (Mt 28:7–8).

The women who had a sole purpose of coming to anoint the body of Jesus have now been employed to be good news delivers. They had to change course! They had mixed emotions but they did not understand was compensated by the joy of the good news of Jesus has risen!

This is where faith kicks in. We must learn to trust the process. When we face with unexpected outcomes we must trust God even more. Lean not to your own understanding.....The Psalmist said 11  Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling (Ps 2:11). I really loved the fact that they still had rejoicing even in the mist of their fears.

Certainly! The phrase “change course” can be used in various contexts to convey the idea of altering direction or making a different choice. Let’s explore its usage:

Literal Meaning:

In a literal sense, “change course” refers to altering the direction of a physical object, such as a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel.

For instance:A pilot might announce, “Due to inclement weather, we will change course and land at an alternate airport.”Sailors historically adjusted their ship’s sails or navigational tools to change course, adapting to changing weather conditions or avoiding obstacles.

What Now?

Did you notice that Jesus met them? Look at verse 9 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”( Mt 28:9–10).

Finally We Must have hope in our assignment

Jesus greets us and gives us whats next/.

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (2016). (Mt 28:16–20).

This resurrection Sunday gives us continued assurance on our mission. As Matthew closes we receive the Great Commission. It concludes the great earthly work of Christ and lays in our hands the work of the the Church.

Go ye therefore (For this reason GO) Teach Make disciples.

The Message Bible addresses it this way: Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Mt 28:18–20).

See some who were there doubted. They doubted whether risking themselves would be worth the reward.

Yet we cant doubt if this assignment id worth the risk.

We have gained so much with the resurrection and we have the assurance we are commissioned by the one with ALL Authority!

Peter preached on the day of Pentecost 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. (Ac 2:36).

9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 1:9–11).