Go!

Introduction

Introduction

Today marks a sad day. It’s our last night here at Jungle Rescue and we have a lot to wrap up tonight. Monday night we talked about God sending someone special to protect Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Tuesday, we talked about God providing for the material needs of a widow and her two sons through a miracle performed by the prophet Elisha. Wednesday, we saw God provide for the future of a woman named Rahab and her entire family. Last night we looked at one of my favorite stories in the New Testament where a man named Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night. Nicodemus is searching for answers about the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Do you remember what Jesus told Nicodemus? (Wait for answers) He told Nicodemus that to enter the Kingdom of God one must be born again. Nicodemus was confused by this statement and thought that Jesus was talking about physically being reborn, but Jesus means a spiritual rebirth through accepting Him. Jesus draws several parallels to his ministry and things which Nicodemus should have understood. Yet Nicodemus did not seem to understand. Jesus makes an illustration of an Old Testament story where Moses raised up a bronze serpent and the people would look to it to receive healing. Jesus compared himself to that serpent stating he must be raised up drawing a picture of the kind of death he would die on the cross.

You see through Christ’s death God has provided protection, provision, a future, and redemption to all who believe. Last night we talked about Jesus telling Nicodemus that God sent his Son to save the world not to condemn it. But do you remember what we said about those who do not believe? They stand condemned already. This brings us to tonight’s story.

We pick up in Matthew chapter 28 where Jesus’ earthly ministry had come to an end and to the knowledge of his disciples and followers he was dead buried in a tomb. Are you ready to hear the greatest story ever told?

Matthew 28:1–10 CSB

1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men. 5 The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” 8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

Our story begins with two women heading to the tomb to complete the preparations when suddenly there was a great earthquake. An angel appears and opens the tomb for the two women; however, the tomb is empty. The angel tells the women to go back to the disciples and tell them that Jesus has risen from the dead and will meet them in Galilee. As the women turn to head back to the disciples bewildered Jesus appears to them. He provides comfort and assurance repeating the instructions given by the angel.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary head back to Jerusalem to let the disciples know. You see if Jesus had died just for our sins but stayed dead, we would have no hope of God’s protection, provision, or redemption. However, Jesus did not stay in the tomb. No on the third day he rose from the dead by the power of God. We have been given a great gift in Christ. But it is a gift that we must not hide or keep to ourselves. It is a gift we must share!

Matthew 28:16–20 CSB

16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 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 everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”