Matthew _28

Scripture Matthew 28:8-10 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Observation    Jesus had been crucified and laid to rest in a tomb with a stone rolled in front. There were guards stationed in front of the tomb to ensure that the body was not removed. But… God had other plans :) Understanding  Matt. 28:5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Hear. Hear the good news, there is a savior that conquers death and redeems us from our sin. The women heard what the angel said to them, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 16:21,Mark 9:31).  Matt. 28:7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will SEE him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.  See. Let your eyes be open to SEE Him! They had an encounter with Him. They experienced him for themselves. They knew he was real.  Matt. 28:10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. GO and TELL my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Speak. GO and TELL the good news! Jesus is alive and because of him we are transformed! Do not be afraid to share with others what God has done for you. He saved you from the eternal grave, he calmed your anxiety, he saved your marriage, he healed your body, he protects your children, he provides for you!  And they too will have an encounter with Jesus!  Application Hear. See. Speak.  As Christmas is approaching we are reminded of the good news .  Mankind heard on the first Christmas, “Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!” Luke 2:11 They saw Him lying in a manger.“And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 Then they told of the Messiah who was born to take away the sins of the world. “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had  been told them about this child,” Luke 2:17 As we celebrate this season, let's take the opportunity to hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit to tell our family, friends, or neighbors about the Jesus we see in our lives everyday.  I implore you to encourage them to meet Jesus. Invite them to our Christmas Eve Celebration. Let them hear the beautiful story of the greatest Christmas gift, God’s love. 

Deborah Lee