As He Said

As He Said: The Promise of the Resurrection

Bible Passage: Mt 28:1–10

Summary: This passage recounts the moment of Christ's resurrection, where angels declare that Jesus has risen as He foretold, bringing hope and transformation to those who believe.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand the significance of the resurrection in their lives. It emphasizes that despite challenging circumstances, God's promises are fulfilled, encouraging believers to live with hope and assurance.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that the resurrection is foundational to Christian faith, affirming that Jesus is who He claimed to be and demonstrating God's power over sin and death.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, the resurrection of Christ echoes the entire narrative of redemption, showcasing Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise to redeem humanity. This act of resurrection not only establishes His lordship but connects the believer to eternal life.

Big Idea: God fulfills His promises, and through the resurrection of Jesus, believers are called to live in the hope of eternal life.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the historical and cultural context of Matthew 28:1-10 using Logos to explore the text's implications on resurrection narratives in Jewish thought. You might also examine different manuscript traditions to address any text-critical questions that arise from this passage, ensuring an accurate presentation of its revelatory significance.

1. Surprising Startling Sunrise

Mt 28:1–4

You could start by emphasizing the unexpected joy and shock experienced by the women approaching the tomb. Just as they went with sorrow, perhaps we also approach situations expecting difficulty, only to find that God has already been at work. Christ's resurrection was surprising yet foretold — it was as He said. This highlights the reliability of His promises and reassures us that God works beyond our expectations.

2. Certain Communicated Comfort

Mt 28:5–7

Maybe this passage can encourage trust in God’s message through the angels declaring Jesus’ resurrection. As believers, in times of doubt or uncertainty, we should remember that God's assurances are firm, just as Jesus rose from the dead as He said He would. This reinforces our faith in His promises and calls us to live in light of the resurrection with renewed confidence and hope.

3. Personal Purposeful Presence

Mt 28:8–10

Perhaps this final point can focus on the transformation from fear to joy and the personal encounter with Christ. As the women ran to share the resurrection news, so can Christians find strength in sharing their faith. Jesus’ presence turns our fear into purpose, confirming that He is with us. This reinforces the message that Christ's resurrection is a personal invitation to experience God's promise firsthand.

What event does Matthew 28:1-10 recount and why is it significant for Christians?

How do the women approaching the tomb initially feel, and what unexpected experience do they encounter?

What message do the angels convey to the women, and how does this message relate to God's promises?

In what ways does the resurrection of Jesus affirm His identity and His promises?

How does the resurrection connect believers to the promise of eternal life and impact their daily living?