Sermon Date: April 24, 2011
Sermon Title: Easter – Tabloid or Truth?
Sermon Text: Matt. 28:1-8
Small Group Text: Matt. 28:1-8
Don’t be skeptical of the resurrection (v.1-5) The resurrection of Jesus Christ can be an unsettling thought. It’s just not natural! Indeed, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead was as surprising to his friends as it is unsettling for some to believe to this day. And yet, taking all the evidence together, it is not too much to say that there is no historic incident better or more variously supported than the resurrection of Christ. Nothing but the antecedent assumption that it must be false could have suggested the idea of deficiency in the proof of it.” (quote from Canan Wescott of Cambridge University)
28:1-4. The Sabbath had ended at sundown on Saturday evening. At the first light of dawn, several women made their way back to the tomb where Jesus had been buried (Mark 16:1). The Scriptures give two reasons for their visit: • Matthew said the women “went to look at the tomb.” The Greek word “to look” literally means to acknowledge and experience the tomb. In other words, the women were drawn there to grieve the loss of the one who had meant so much to them and to contemplate again all that had happened relative to his life, ministry and death. • Mark’s gospel noted that the women came bringing spices to anoint his body (Mark 16:1). Herein was expressed the deepest love and devotion for Jesus: Even in his death, they cared for him. Upon their arrival, events unfolded that changed not only their lives but the course of human history forever. A forceful earthquake shook the ground as an angel “sent from Heaven” moved the stone that had sealed the tomb’s entrance. There was no mistaking it: the angel was in control and presiding over the scene – his appearance was like that of lightning—flashing, startling, striking, frightening, brilliant. His clothes were like snow— white, pure, glistening. Mark reported that the women “saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed (Mark 16). Luke’s account added another dimension, saying, “suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them (Luke 24:4). It is conceivable that several angels were present at the resurrection and rejoicing over what God had accomplished. Angels typically terrified the people to whom they appeared (e.g., Judges 6:22-23; Judges 13:19-20) and this was no exception. Roman soldiers, stationed for the purpose of guarding the tomb’s access, were stunned – falling to the ground – either unconscious or fully conscious but daring not to move a muscle. They soon deserted their post.
He is risen! 28:5-8. Though the soldiers abandoned their duty in fear, the angel had an extraordinary message for the women. Fear was not the appropriate emotion – but rather, joy! Jesus, who they sought, would not be found in the grave among the dead: He was alive – risen from the dead just as He said (Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19; 26:32). Though he had been tragically killed by the hands of men, Jesus had been gloriously brought back to eternal life by the power of God (Romans 1:4; Ephes. 1:19-20).
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