Matthew 28 - Part 1

 

Read Matthew 28

After what had to be the worst Sabbath ever, the two women named Mary went to the tomb. It was time for another earthquake followed by an angel of the Lord appearing and rolling back the stone.  When he was done, he sat on top of the stone.

The angel had 2 jobs.

Check off angel task #1.

The Roman guards were useless, essentially in shock.  There would be no medals for these guys. They would not qualify for the Guarding the Tomb of Jesus campaign ribbon.

They had 1 job and they blew it.

Now, back to the angel.

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. Come and see the place where he lay. 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.’

The angel’s message contained 4 elements of information and 2 simple commands.

1.    I know who you are looking for and it’s Jesus.

2.    He is not here.

3.    He is risen. OBTW—just as he told you.

4.    He is going ahead of you into Galilee

What was delivered in the imperative?

1.    Don’t be afraid.  That’s standard verbiage for angels talking to humans.

2.    Go tell the disciples what you have seen and heard and be quick about it.

The angel added, Now I have told you.

Check off angel task #2.

The women took off at once.  They were afraid but at the same time, they were full of joy.  That had to be a very unusual mix of emotions.

Let’s add one more emotion—surprise.  They encountered the resurrected Jesus.  They worshiped him.

His message was the same as the one from the angel.

1.    Don’t be afraid.

2.    Tell the disciples to come see me in Galilee.

Imagine the message delivered by the women to the disciples.  He is alive and he wants you to meet him in Galilee. I will fill you in on the details on the way.

Amen.