Matthew

Matthew 28:1-4

It was Sunday morning.  Saturday had been the Sabbath and these Jews honored the Sabbath.  The Mary's came to the tomb.  With the quaking of the earth and by the hand of an angel, the stone was rolled away.  The angel sat on the stone; probably excited to watch what was about to happen; probably anticipating the look on the Mary's face when they saw that Jesus was gone. 

Matthew 28:5-10

There was surely fear and trembling from these women; as well as awe and wonder.  They worshped him; the first to worship the resurrected king!!  And that worship has no ceased since.

Matthew 28:11-15

Since these men couldn't keep Jesus in the grave they had to go to great lengths to make people believe he was still dead.  This is he work of the enemy; leading people astray, calling into question the words and promises of God, attempting to neutralize the power of the resurrection. 

This lie cold cost the soliers their life.  Falling asleep was a death sentence.  They may as well agree to the offer of the priests and elders, they had nothing to lose since there was no body.  Its fascinating that the resurrection was a death sentence for those whose job was to keep Jesus in the grave. 

Matthew 28:16-20

We are to 'Go'.  So much of Christianity is lived out as if we arrived somewhere to wait til later when Jesus comes.  This life of a disciple is a great adventure of Going and making disciples.  Men, disiple your wives, your children and young men.  Women, disciple children and young ladies.  People everywhere, declare the gospel and disciple and serve your brothers and sisters in Christ.  Jesus is alive and He's with us always.  Jesus is alive and He's coming back.  Time is short, spread the word of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

©2016 Doug Ford