...Just as He said

Introduction: We have seen this all before. It really is nothing new. The Bible tells the truth and the world tells a lie. Let’s be clear: it’s not that the truth is not known. It’s simply that the truth of God is not acceptable to the world. God’s truth just doesn’t fit into the world’s system. The important thing to notice in today’s passage is that the world’s unwillingness to accept the truth of God does not prevent the story from being told. God’s people are still obedient to the mission: take the gospel with you everywhere you go.

1. God’s word is true (1-7)

Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” came to look at the grave on Sunday morning

An earthquake had occurred BECAUSE

an angel of the Lord had descended from heaven

he had rolled away the stone and sat on it

NOTE: the stone was not rolled away so Jesus could get out; it was rolled away so we could get in

the angel’s appearance was like lightning; his clothes were white as snow

The guards at the tomb were terrified of the angel; they “became like dead men”

The angel told the women not to be afraid; he knew they were looking for Jesus “who was crucified”

He is not here

He has risen, JUST AS HE SAID

Look at the place where he was lying

Go QUICKLY and tell his disciples he has risen from the dead

He is going ahead of you into Galilee

You will see him there

The angel announced the completion of his assignment

2. God’s word is consistent (8-10)

The ladies left the tomb QUICKLY; they were obedient to the instruction they received

They were filled with fear AND great joy

They ran to report to the disciples

Jesus met the ladies on their way and greeted them

They took hold of his feet and worshiped him

Jesus told the women not to be afraid

Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee

They will see me there

3. The world’s message is a lie (11-15)

While the ladies were headed to see the disciples, the guards came into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened

The chief priests assembled with the elders and had a conversation

they paid off the soldiers

they told them to lie about what happened at the tomb

the disciples stole the body during the night

the guards were sleeping on the job

they thought this would convince the governor and keep the guards out of trouble

The guards agreed to the plan; the lies are still being told even today

Conclusion: So what is our major takeaway from today’s Scripture? What is it that we don’t want to forget? I believe one of the most striking parts of the story today is the contrast between God’s message and the world’s message. God’s word is the consistent source of truth that guides us through life while the message of the world is constantly changing to suit the desires of sinful people. The fact that God’s word is true and consistent should be a tremendous encouragement for God’s people who are commissioned to take the gospel to neighbors and nations who are lost without Christ. We have a story to tell: Jesus is alive.

Main takeaways:

I don’t want to be the reason the gospel doesn’t get to everywhere it needs to

I don’t want to the reason the church doesn’t serve others the way it should