Matthew Chapter 28

Matthew chapter 28

SCRIPTURE:

Today I will summarize Matthew chapter 28 where Jesus rose from the dead.  Where religious leaders devised a response to the resurrection.  After the Sabbath, as Sunday morning was dawning, Mary Magdalene and Mary Jesus’s mother went to the tomb.    Suddenly there was a violent earthquake.  An angel of the Lord came down from heaven.  His appearance was like lightning, and his garment was as white as snow.  The guards were so afraid after what they witnessed. 

They trembled and fell to the ground like dead men.  Then the angel spoke to them and said don’t be afraid.  I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here.  He has risen just as he said.  Come and see the place where he was lying.  The two women went over to the tomb and saw that Jesus’s grave clothes were there still in their wrapped state.  But Jesus’s body was not there.   They were astonished.  The angel then said go quickly now and tell his disciples that Jesus has risen from the dead.  Also, tell them that he is going to meet them in Galilee.  Tell them to go there at once.  Behold I have completed my task of telling you the good news. 

The women started to run and tell the other disciples what they just saw and heard as they were filled with joy.    As they were going, they heard a very familiar voice.  It was Jesus himself.  Jesus said, “peace be with you”.  They went up to Jesus and took hold of his feet and they worshipped him.   Jesus told them don’t be afraid.  Hurry, go and tell my brothers.  They will see me in Galilee.  So, they got up and ran.   While the women were on their way the angel left and the guards began to crawl back to their feet.  Some of them went back into the city to tell the chief priests what had happened.    Everyone will believe in Jesus when they hear about this.  

The chief priests met with the elders and made plans; They gave a large sum of money to the soldiers. They told them to say that Jesus’s disciples came during the night and stole his body while they were asleep.  If the Governor should hear of this, we will convince him that you are innocent, and you will have nothing to worry about.  The guards took the money and did as they were instructed.  And so that is the report spread around by the Jews to this very day.  The eleven disciples went to the hill in Galilee where Jesus had told them to go. 

When they saw him, they worshipped him even though some of them doubted and later were convinced after touching his wounds.  Jesus drew near and said to them,” I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  Go to all the people everywhere and make them my disciples: Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.  Don’t be afraid. I will be with you always to the end of the age. 

OBSERVATION:

The thing I think the Lord wants us to understand after reading this chapter is that the chief priests and religious leaders had direct eyewitness testimony of the resurrection of Jesus.  But instead of surrendering to the truth, they concocted bribes and lies to try to turn other people away from it.  People today can read eyewitness testimony of the resurrection too.  God wants us to see that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead and was seen by more people all at one time.  The Lord wants us to see that the resurrection of Jesus emboldened the disciples. 

Before the resurrection, they were cowards and went into hiding after the crucifixion.  But after they saw Jesus personally when he rose from the dead.  The disciples turned into fearless missionaries whom all suffered hardship willingly and died with Joy.  God wants us to pay attention to the very last thing Jesus told his disciples. He asked them to rely on his authority.  To go into all the world and make disciples of all nations.  To baptize them in the name of the father, the so, and the Holy Spirit.  To teach everyone to observe all that he commanded them. 

To remember that he was with them always even to the end of their age.  What do you do if you read the first-hand accounts of the resurrection of Jesus? Do you scoff?  Do you teach others not to believe?  Do you surrender and accept it?  There is still time to repent and believe.  Come let us turn from our sins and believe in the Lord for salvation. 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself.  No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking.  By faith, I gratefully receive your gift of Salvation.  I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Saviour.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to the earth.  I believe that you are the son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life.  I believe your words are true.  Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Saviour.  Amen.     

                       Please read daily Psalms 23, 31,51,91, 121,143.