Matthew 28

Scripture

Mathew 28:5-6

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. 

Observation

Matthew offers a unique version of the resurrection as seen from the perspective of several women. This is revolutionary, as first century women in the Jewish culture were considered unqualified to give testimony in a court of law, yet Matthew offers their experience as the first report that Jesus is risen. Then, Matthew gives the account of how the false story of Jesus’ body being stolen by the disciples while the guards slept was invented and propagated. Finally, Jesus meets with the eleven and gives them the Great Commission, promising His power and presence in their ministry.

Understanding

The FACT of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the lynch-pin of the Christian faith. In fact, Paul testifies that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins. Thankfully, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is perhaps the most provable and verifiable event in human history. He was declared dead by a medical doctor and a government coroner; His tomb was verified as empty after it was closed, sealed and guarded; and He was seen alive in the body by more than 500 people for 40 days after He was crucified and buried. Jesus offered His resurrection as the event that would validate every claim that He made about Himself when He was alive. When He brought Himself back from the dead, Jesus proved that He was God, validated His claim to be able to forgive sin, proved His authority; His sovereignty; and His power over nature, over Satan and over death, Hell and the grave. He prophesied that His resurrection would be the first fruits of the promised resurrection for all seek forgiveness, mercy and salvation in Him. Jesus proclaimed that the one who believes Him will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Him will never die. With His resurrection from the dead, Jesus made good on that and all of God’s glorious promises.

Life Application

Resurrection only occurs after death. If I am to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection in my life, then I must also be willing to join Him in His death and burial. The symbolism of my baptism needs to be lived out daily as I die to the flesh and temptation so that I may rise and walk in the newness of life in the Spirit.

Romans 6:6
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the

Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 8:11
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

 

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-Gary Parker

 

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-Gary Parker