As He Said
Matthew 28:1-10
1. Repeated Prediction
• Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23, 20:17-19
• the four Gospels confirm: empty tomb, announcement of resurrection, disciples meet risen Lord
• the four Gospels confirm: empty tomb, announcement of resurrection, disciples meet risen Lord
2. Sovereign Intervention 1-4
• after Sabbath at “dawn’s early light”
• women at the tomb, quaking ground (Ex. 19:18), angelic descent (Rev. 1:14), stunned guards
• use of “behold” (six times in Matthew 28)
• women at the tomb, quaking ground (Ex. 19:18), angelic descent (Rev. 1:14), stunned guards
• use of “behold” (six times in Matthew 28)
3. Transforming Declaration 5-10
• encouragement: do not be afraid…
• invitation: come, see…
• instruction: go and tell…going before you…
• from frightened bewilderment to joyful fulfilment
• worship at the feet of the risen Jesus
• invitation: come, see…
• instruction: go and tell…going before you…
• from frightened bewilderment to joyful fulfilment
• worship at the feet of the risen Jesus
4. So What?
• Because the risen Jesus is Lord of all, treasure Him now and trust His absolute authority.
• “You cannot have an Easter faith without an Easter fact…The resurrection is God’s ‘amen’ to Christ’s statement ‘It is finished.’” (S. Lewis Johnson)
• “The only resurrection that counts for anything is the resurrection of the body.” (J. Boice) (1 Cor. 15:20)
• “Well may the Accuser roar of ills that I have done. I know them all and thousands more. Jehovah knoweth none.” (S. Gandy, “His Be the Victor’s Name”)
• “Lead us, we pray Thee, to the grave that is empty, into the garden of resurrection where we may meet our risen Lord. May we never again live as if Thou were dead.” (P. Marshall)
• “You cannot have an Easter faith without an Easter fact…The resurrection is God’s ‘amen’ to Christ’s statement ‘It is finished.’” (S. Lewis Johnson)
• “The only resurrection that counts for anything is the resurrection of the body.” (J. Boice) (1 Cor. 15:20)
• “Well may the Accuser roar of ills that I have done. I know them all and thousands more. Jehovah knoweth none.” (S. Gandy, “His Be the Victor’s Name”)
• “Lead us, we pray Thee, to the grave that is empty, into the garden of resurrection where we may meet our risen Lord. May we never again live as if Thou were dead.” (P. Marshall)