The Resurrection Of The King
Our Text: Book of Matthew Chapter 28
We must not be ignorant of the Bible. If the resurrection of Jesus did not occur then there is no Christianity!
Paul wrote:
1Co 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
1Co 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
1Co 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
1Co 15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
1Co 15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
1Co 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
The doctrine of the resurrection is fundamental to the Body of Christ!
To deny the resurrection is to deny the whole Bible, for no part of it can be true if not all of it is true!
If the foundation of Christianity is removed then the whole superstructure will fall!
Jesus taught us of two resurrection.
1.) A "spiritual" resurrection.
Joh 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
Joh 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
Joh 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
2.) A "bodily" resurrection.
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
The "spiritual" resurrection takes place the day you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour. That is the Soul resurrection!
Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The "bodily" resurrection means more than just bringing the body back to life. Jesus brought people back to life and they again had to die:
The daughter of Jairus:
Luk 8:50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
Luk 8:51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
Luk 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
Luk 8:53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
Luk 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
Luk 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
The son of the woman in Nain:
Luk 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
Luk 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
Luk 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
Luk 7:14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
Lazarus:
Joh 12:9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
Joh 12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
Joh 12:11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
These all had to die again. The resurrection of Jesus means more than these things.
It means to make alive, no more to die.
Paul again writes:
1Co 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
1Co 15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
1Co 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
1Co 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
1Co 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
1Co 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
1Co 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
1Co 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
What else does the Bible teach?
While this resurrection takes place, the identity of the "body" that is raised is never lost. That dead body will be raised to suit it's new life in Heaven.
Proof when Christ Jesus was transfigured:
Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
Mat 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
Moses was still Moses and Elijah was still Elijah!
God had this purpose from the beginning. There would never have been a Tree of Life if God had not planned for immortality. It was sin that changed things!
Paul wrote:
2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, [who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel]:
What is the Gospel?
Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and [that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures]:
1Co 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
1Co 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
1Co 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
When Paul uses the phrase "according to the scriptures", he means according to Old Testament prophesy!
*****Our text:
Mat 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
Mat 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
Mat 28:3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
Mat 28:4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
Mat 28:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
Mat 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Mat 28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
When most people look at this Sabbath they think that Jesus was crucified on a Friday. The fact is that the Bible tells us a different story.
When Jesus was crucified and placed in that tomb it was the evening before the preparation day:
Mat 27:62 [Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation], the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
Mat 27:63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
John wrote:
Joh 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
If we go back to the Laws of the Jews we know:
Exo 12:15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
Exo 12:16 And [in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you].
Exo 12:17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.
In other words this day should be treated as a Sabbath(a high Sabbath).
In the Book of Leviticus we read:
Lev 23:5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover.
Lev 23:6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.
Lev 23:7 [In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein].
Jesus could not have been placed in the grave on Friday but on Thursday.
There are many who write the harmonies of the four Gospels that list thirteen events happening on Tuesday and eight on Thursday and leave Wednesday totally blank. These same scholars list the words Jesus said on Tuesday:
Mat 26:2 [Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified].
If Jesus said this on Tuesday then Jesus said He would be dead by Thursday. I believe the Words of God are more valuable and true above what man writes:
Jesus had given the World a "Sign" that He would fulfill:
Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
This is the truth of the Gospel:
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
These women who had witnessed the crucifying of Jesus waited until the dawn of the day after this Sabbath. It had been three days not four so His body would still not have begin to deteriorate.
Joh 11:39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, [by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days].
Prophesy says:
Psa 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
They knew Jesus had died!
BUT, They had no faith in what Jesus had taught:
Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Most of this world will tell you that they believe that Jesus lived and that he died but only the Church the Bride of Christ truly believe that Jesus "rose again".
What does the "resurrection" of Jesus Christ mean to us?
1.) It proves that Jesus was truly the Son of God:
Joh 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
Joh 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
2.) It proves the truth of the Old Testament:
Psa 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Psa 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
3.) It proves that there will be a resurrection of the saints of God, a Rapture of the Church:
1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
4.) It is proof of a future judgment:
Act 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
5.) We now have a Heavenly Priest that will never change:
Heb 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
Heb 7:23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
Heb 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Heb 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Heb 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
Heb 7:28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
6.) It is the "power" behind the Church:
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7.) It is our hope for the future:
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Though these women and those that were told had gathered discouraged and defeated, the Church can assemble on any day to bear witness that Jesus is alive and is the foundation of the Church, "Because He Lives".
The Bible tells us that there are earthquakes when the LORD visits this earth. They may not take place every time but they may. What does seem true is that the severity of the earthquake may coincide with God's wrath at that time.
Any earthquake that would move stable things on this earth would be severe. That word "great" would mean that this earthquake was widespread.
Though this earthquake was great it was not the earthquake that moved the stone that covered the entrance into the tomb where Jesus had been placed.
Luk 24:3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
Luk 24:4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
The Book of Luke tells that there were actually two angels.
It was an angel that had rolled that stone away. That stone had the seal of the Roman government on it but a much higher power had removed that stone.
It was not Jesus that removed that stone. Jesus could pass through walls. He had passed through His grave clothes which still held His shape lying in that tomb, and he had passed through the walls of that tomb.
Joh 20:5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
Joh 20:6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, [and seeth the linen clothes lie],
Joh 20:7 And the napkin, that was about his head, [not lying with the linen clothes], but wrapped together in a place by itself.
Those wrappings, those grave clothes laid there like an empty cocoon!
The angels said:
Mat 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. [Come, see the place where the Lord lay].
The soldiers that had witnessed these things had passed out in fear of their lives!
We can think that we will bravely stand before this awesome God but I fully believe we will be more like these soldiers or like Daniel whom the Lord loved:
Dan 10:7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.
Dan 10:8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and [there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength].
Dan 10:9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
Jesus was not held by the bonds of death and could not be:
Act 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: [because it was not possible that he should be holden of it].
"Come and see" was followed up by "Go and Tell".
*****Our Text:
Mat 28:8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
Mat 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Mat 28:10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
Mat 28:11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
Mat 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
Mat 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
Mat 28:14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
Mat 28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
Discouragement had become great joy. Fear had become hope. Death had become life!
Gazing on that empty tomb and hearing those angels say "He is risen" is the beginning of our faith!
Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? [It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us].
Notice the next thing that comes is worship as they all fell at the feet of Jesus.
We are in the wrong when we say we have faith and do not take the time to worship our Lord!
Some say we can worship without going to gather in His name. We can and we should! But we cannot forsake the assembling also:
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
We know that the disciples were hiding in fear of their own lives. We know that after realizing the truth of Christ resurrection, how great they became as disciples and servants of the Lord.
Can you imagine what was going through the minds of those soldiers when they awoke.
To be a member of Pilate's personal guard they had to be experienced, battle hardened men. They knew that things had happened beyond normal, these were spiritual things and they went straight to the High Priests of Israel.
This may have also been their instructions but we must also remember a couple of more things.
1.) For a Roman soldier to lose his prisoner would cost him his life.
2.) For a soldier to sleep on guard duty could also cost them their lives.
The supernatural things they had witnessed would have to be explained to Pilate in order for them to live.
Proof:
Act 12:18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
Act 12:19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
Act 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
Act 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
We can actually see proof of the resurrection in these things:
1.) If the body of Jesus had been stolen the grave clothes would not have been left behind especially as they were undisturbed.
2.) If the friends of Jesus had stole His body, surely they would not have returned to place more spices on it.
3.) The enemies of Christ would not have stolen His body for they wanted no hint of a resurrection.
4.) If the body of Jesus could be found and we can be sure it has been looked for, it would have silenced the early church and the spread of Christianity.
What we see is that there are no answers except the truth which is that Jesus Christ "arose from the dead" just as He said and He is still alive today!
The had given Judas only 30 pieces of silver. It would take a great sum of money or death to silence the truth of what these soldiers had witnessed.
Remember that some had already been convinced of the truth.
Mat 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
*****Our Text:
Mat 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
Mat 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Some scholars have said that the Book of Matthew is the Gospel of the Mountain:
1.) From a mountain Jesus gave the "Sermon on the Mount".
2.) From a mountain Jesus was transfigured.
3.) From the Mount of Olives, He took His place as the Son of David and rode into Jerusalem.
4.) From the Mount of Olives, He delivered the prophesy of the second coming and His Kingdom.
5.) He is now on a mountain in Galilee.
Some Bible scholars say that it is on this mountain where Christ Jesus was seen by more than 500 people at one time.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1Co 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
We can see from the scriptures of Paul that most of these were fairly young people because they were still alive when Paul was preaching to the Corinthians and we can know there some that doubted on this mountain but at this time all the 11 disciples were now confirmed believers:
The proof:
Joh 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Joh 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
Joh 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Joh 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
Joh 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
Joh 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
The Lord Jesus did not ascend back to Heaven at this time but later in Jerusalem again on the Mount of Olives:
Luk 24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
Luk 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
We now have what is called the "Great Commission". Jesus directed these words to everyone on that mountain that day even though there were some that doubted. These words of Jesus do also apply to all that call on the name of Jesus as their Saviour.
If we want to be a part of God's Word then we must be disciples and obey this command:
Paul wrote:
Rom 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
Rom 15:21 [But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand].
We must tell all those that have not heard of Jesus!
This will also fulfills prophesy and includes those in the governments of this world!
Isa 52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: [for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider].
Though this is the "Great Commission" all the Word of God have the same authority and are given by the same author. We cannot pick and choose in the Word of God!
When Jesus said "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" He was saying it is His right only to use this power!
Jesus is still the only "authority" in this world because He is still ALIVE!
By His death and resurrection He defeated all His enemies.
Joh 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
You see all the work that needed to be done for "Salvation" is finished because of the cross!
Jesus showed the power of God in His resurrection!
It is with this authority that we have hope as Christians!
To be a Christian is to be a "Missionary for God" to all that have not heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has given His Church this time to share this Gospel.
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, [not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance].
Those that perish will perish because of their own refusal to believe!
Our command is to teach all nations. That begins where we now live. That begins in the place where we first got saved. If we will not share the Gospel at home, we can be sure that God will not call on us to go to foreign lands.
No matter where we are located in our daily walk with God, it is that place, in that moment that is our missionary field.
Act 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
Act 11:20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Act 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
To be a disciple of Jesus means we are attached to Him and what He teaches. We have what He teaches in the written Word of God. That Word is settled in Heaven. It is not for us to make changes in it but teach it as it is.
We must study that Word in order to do these things:
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
This same Word is what we are to teach!
The main thing we need to know is that Jesus will be with us in all these things and it is still His Power that saves.
We just deliver the message as we are Christ's messengers of the truth of the Gospel!
So now let's look at the facts:
1.) Jesus had repeatedly while He lived predicted that He would suffer death and that He would rise on the third day.
2.) Jesus made His resurrection the "sign" of proof of all His claims.
3.) Jesus instituted two perpetual ordinances:
a.) One to commemorate His death.(The Lord's Supper)
b.) The other to commemorate His burial and His resurrection.(Believers Baptism)
4.) It seems that only Mary, the sister of Lazarus believed that Jesus would die and resurrect but we see that all the religious leaders and His enemies had believed and taken measures that they thought would stop it.
Mat 26:12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
Mat 26:13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
His enemies:
Mat 27:39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
Mat 27:40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Mat 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
Mat 27:42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
Mat 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
Mat 27:63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
Mat 27:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
Mat 27:65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
Mat 27:66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
Jesus risked everything of the New Testament Church and Christianity on the fact of "His Resurrection". This fact has never been proven wrong and I'm sure that Caiaphas and the Roman government did everything in their power to prove differently and failed.
Did Jesus actually die?
The facts:
1.) The written record says He died. We have that record!
2.) All historians most being non-believers said He died. (Josephus and others)
3.) The man Pilate had put in charge of those soldiers, a Centurion, officially said He died and reported this to Pilate. Pilate believed his man!
4.) Jesus was actually embalmed and buried in the Jewish fashion of that day and that tomb was barred with a great stone. There was one hundred pounds of embalming spices used. That could not have been done to someone that was alive.
5.) That great stone was sealed with the seal of the Roman government. To remove this seal was an act that required death. No Jew would have done this!
6.) There was an armed guard posted to guard this tomb. Not of the Jewish Temple guard but of Pilate's palace guard. They knew their own death would follow if they failed to do their job!
7.) It was an angel of God who has all authority that removed that stone.
8.) That Roman guard reported first to the Jewish High Priest for what they saw was supernatural things that they had no defence of. They knew they faced death at the hands of Pilate for these things they could not stop.
9.) It is the angel that told all the Jesus had risen.
Did Jesus resurrect back to life, how do we account for that tomb being empty?
1.) Some of the guard testified that the body of Jesus was stolen but that contradicts the story told to the High Priest!
Mat 28:11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
2.) The testimony of the stolen body was only told after the bribe was paid. This would have been thrown out of any court.
Mat 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
Mat 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
3.) These men could not have known anything about the body of Jesus if they had been asleep the whole time and they would have stopped it if they were not asleep.
4.) The disciples would have had no use for the dead body of Jesus. It would have proved nothing.
5.) It leaves unexplained the resurrection and appearances of those saints of old that roamed the streets of Jerusalem in full view of everyone.
Mat 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
Mat 27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
6.) A Centurion of the Roman army could not have been fooled by these things and was witness to the truth and we should believe as he did.
Mat 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
7.) The disciples believed when they saw Him:
1Jn 1:1 That which was from the beginning, [which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled], of the Word of life;
1Jn 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
1Jn 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1Jn 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
8.) His Mother, His brothers, His friends and His companions for three years could not all have been fooled!
Act 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Act 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
Let's Pray!
Our Text: Book of Matthew Chapter 28
We must not be ignorant of the Bible. If the resurrection of Jesus did not occur then there is no Christianity!
Paul wrote:
1Co 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
1Co 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
1Co 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
1Co 15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
1Co 15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
1Co 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
The doctrine of the resurrection is fundamental to the Body of Christ!
To deny the resurrection is to deny the whole Bible, for no part of it can be true if not all of it is true!
If the foundation of Christianity is removed then the whole superstructure will fall!
Jesus taught us of two resurrection.
1.) A "spiritual" resurrection.
Joh 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
Joh 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
Joh 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
2.) A "bodily" resurrection.
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
The "spiritual" resurrection takes place the day you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour. That is the Soul resurrection!
Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The "bodily" resurrection means more than just bringing the body back to life. Jesus brought people back to life and they again had to die:
The daughter of Jairus:
Luk 8:50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
Luk 8:51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
Luk 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
Luk 8:53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
Luk 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
Luk 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
The son of the woman in Nain:
Luk 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
Luk 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
Luk 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
Luk 7:14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
Lazarus:
Joh 12:9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
Joh 12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
Joh 12:11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
These all had to die again. The resurrection of Jesus means more than these things.
It means to make alive, no more to die.
Paul again writes:
1Co 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
1Co 15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
1Co 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
1Co 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
1Co 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
1Co 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
1Co 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
1Co 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
What else does the Bible teach?
While this resurrection takes place, the identity of the "body" that is raised is never lost. That dead body will be raised to suit it's new life in Heaven.
Proof when Christ Jesus was transfigured:
Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
Mat 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
Moses was still Moses and Elijah was still Elijah!
God had this purpose from the beginning. There would never have been a Tree of Life if God had not planned for immortality. It was sin that changed things!
Paul wrote:
2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, [who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel]:
What is the Gospel?
Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and [that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures]:
1Co 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
1Co 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
1Co 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
When Paul uses the phrase "according to the scriptures", he means according to Old Testament prophesy!
*****Our text:
Mat 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
Mat 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
Mat 28:3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
Mat 28:4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
Mat 28:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
Mat 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Mat 28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
When most people look at this Sabbath they think that Jesus was crucified on a Friday. The fact is that the Bible tells us a different story.
When Jesus was crucified and placed in that tomb it was the evening before the preparation day:
Mat 27:62 [Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation], the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
Mat 27:63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
John wrote:
Joh 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
If we go back to the Laws of the Jews we know:
Exo 12:15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
Exo 12:16 And [in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you].
Exo 12:17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.
In other words this day should be treated as a Sabbath(a high Sabbath).
In the Book of Leviticus we read:
Lev 23:5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover.
Lev 23:6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.
Lev 23:7 [In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein].
Jesus could not have been placed in the grave on Friday but on Thursday.
There are many who write the harmonies of the four Gospels that list thirteen events happening on Tuesday and eight on Thursday and leave Wednesday totally blank. These same scholars list the words Jesus said on Tuesday:
Mat 26:2 [Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified].
If Jesus said this on Tuesday then Jesus said He would be dead by Thursday. I believe the Words of God are more valuable and true above what man writes:
Jesus had given the World a "Sign" that He would fulfill:
Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
This is the truth of the Gospel:
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
These women who had witnessed the crucifying of Jesus waited until the dawn of the day after this Sabbath. It had been three days not four so His body would still not have begin to deteriorate.
Joh 11:39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, [by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days].
Prophesy says:
Psa 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
They knew Jesus had died!
BUT, They had no faith in what Jesus had taught:
Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Most of this world will tell you that they believe that Jesus lived and that he died but only the Church the Bride of Christ truly believe that Jesus "rose again".
What does the "resurrection" of Jesus Christ mean to us?
1.) It proves that Jesus was truly the Son of God:
Joh 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
Joh 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
2.) It proves the truth of the Old Testament:
Psa 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Psa 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
3.) It proves that there will be a resurrection of the saints of God, a Rapture of the Church:
1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
4.) It is proof of a future judgment:
Act 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
5.) We now have a Heavenly Priest that will never change:
Heb 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
Heb 7:23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
Heb 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Heb 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Heb 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
Heb 7:28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
6.) It is the "power" behind the Church:
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7.) It is our hope for the future:
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Though these women and those that were told had gathered discouraged and defeated, the Church can assemble on any day to bear witness that Jesus is alive and is the foundation of the Church, "Because He Lives".
The Bible tells us that there are earthquakes when the LORD visits this earth. They may not take place every time but they may. What does seem true is that the severity of the earthquake may coincide with God's wrath at that time.
Any earthquake that would move stable things on this earth would be severe. That word "great" would mean that this earthquake was widespread.
Though this earthquake was great it was not the earthquake that moved the stone that covered the entrance into the tomb where Jesus had been placed.
Luk 24:3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
Luk 24:4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
The Book of Luke tells that there were actually two angels.
It was an angel that had rolled that stone away. That stone had the seal of the Roman government on it but a much higher power had removed that stone.
It was not Jesus that removed that stone. Jesus could pass through walls. He had passed through His grave clothes which still held His shape lying in that tomb, and he had passed through the walls of that tomb.
Joh 20:5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
Joh 20:6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, [and seeth the linen clothes lie],
Joh 20:7 And the napkin, that was about his head, [not lying with the linen clothes], but wrapped together in a place by itself.
Those wrappings, those grave clothes laid there like an empty cocoon!
The angels said:
Mat 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. [Come, see the place where the Lord lay].
The soldiers that had witnessed these things had passed out in fear of their lives!
We can think that we will bravely stand before this awesome God but I fully believe we will be more like these soldiers or like Daniel whom the Lord loved:
Dan 10:7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.
Dan 10:8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and [there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength].
Dan 10:9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
Jesus was not held by the bonds of death and could not be:
Act 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: [because it was not possible that he should be holden of it].
"Come and see" was followed up by "Go and Tell".
*****Our Text:
Mat 28:8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
Mat 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Mat 28:10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
Mat 28:11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
Mat 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
Mat 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
Mat 28:14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
Mat 28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
Discouragement had become great joy. Fear had become hope. Death had become life!
Gazing on that empty tomb and hearing those angels say "He is risen" is the beginning of our faith!
Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? [It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us].
Notice the next thing that comes is worship as they all fell at the feet of Jesus.
We are in the wrong when we say we have faith and do not take the time to worship our Lord!
Some say we can worship without going to gather in His name. We can and we should! But we cannot forsake the assembling also:
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
We know that the disciples were hiding in fear of their own lives. We know that after realizing the truth of Christ resurrection, how great they became as disciples and servants of the Lord.
Can you imagine what was going through the minds of those soldiers when they awoke.
To be a member of Pilate's personal guard they had to be experienced, battle hardened men. They knew that things had happened beyond normal, these were spiritual things and they went straight to the High Priests of Israel.
This may have also been their instructions but we must also remember a couple of more things.
1.) For a Roman soldier to lose his prisoner would cost him his life.
2.) For a soldier to sleep on guard duty could also cost them their lives.
The supernatural things they had witnessed would have to be explained to Pilate in order for them to live.
Proof:
Act 12:18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
Act 12:19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
Act 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
Act 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
We can actually see proof of the resurrection in these things:
1.) If the body of Jesus had been stolen the grave clothes would not have been left behind especially as they were undisturbed.
2.) If the friends of Jesus had stole His body, surely they would not have returned to place more spices on it.
3.) The enemies of Christ would not have stolen His body for they wanted no hint of a resurrection.
4.) If the body of Jesus could be found and we can be sure it has been looked for, it would have silenced the early church and the spread of Christianity.
What we see is that there are no answers except the truth which is that Jesus Christ "arose from the dead" just as He said and He is still alive today!
The had given Judas only 30 pieces of silver. It would take a great sum of money or death to silence the truth of what these soldiers had witnessed.
Remember that some had already been convinced of the truth.
Mat 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
*****Our Text:
Mat 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
Mat 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Some scholars have said that the Book of Matthew is the Gospel of the Mountain:
1.) From a mountain Jesus gave the "Sermon on the Mount".
2.) From a mountain Jesus was transfigured.
3.) From the Mount of Olives, He took His place as the Son of David and rode into Jerusalem.
4.) From the Mount of Olives, He delivered the prophesy of the second coming and His Kingdom.
5.) He is now on a mountain in Galilee.
Some Bible scholars say that it is on this mountain where Christ Jesus was seen by more than 500 people at one time.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1Co 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
We can see from the scriptures of Paul that most of these were fairly young people because they were still alive when Paul was preaching to the Corinthians and we can know there some that doubted on this mountain but at this time all the 11 disciples were now confirmed believers:
The proof:
Joh 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Joh 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
Joh 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Joh 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
Joh 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
Joh 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
The Lord Jesus did not ascend back to Heaven at this time but later in Jerusalem again on the Mount of Olives:
Luk 24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
Luk 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
We now have what is called the "Great Commission". Jesus directed these words to everyone on that mountain that day even though there were some that doubted. These words of Jesus do also apply to all that call on the name of Jesus as their Saviour.
If we want to be a part of God's Word then we must be disciples and obey this command:
Paul wrote:
Rom 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
Rom 15:21 [But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand].
We must tell all those that have not heard of Jesus!
This will also fulfills prophesy and includes those in the governments of this world!
Isa 52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: [for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider].
Though this is the "Great Commission" all the Word of God have the same authority and are given by the same author. We cannot pick and choose in the Word of God!
When Jesus said "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" He was saying it is His right only to use this power!
Jesus is still the only "authority" in this world because He is still ALIVE!
By His death and resurrection He defeated all His enemies.
Joh 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
You see all the work that needed to be done for "Salvation" is finished because of the cross!
Jesus showed the power of God in His resurrection!
It is with this authority that we have hope as Christians!
To be a Christian is to be a "Missionary for God" to all that have not heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has given His Church this time to share this Gospel.
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, [not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance].
Those that perish will perish because of their own refusal to believe!
Our command is to teach all nations. That begins where we now live. That begins in the place where we first got saved. If we will not share the Gospel at home, we can be sure that God will not call on us to go to foreign lands.
No matter where we are located in our daily walk with God, it is that place, in that moment that is our missionary field.
Act 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
Act 11:20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Act 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
To be a disciple of Jesus means we are attached to Him and what He teaches. We have what He teaches in the written Word of God. That Word is settled in Heaven. It is not for us to make changes in it but teach it as it is.
We must study that Word in order to do these things:
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
This same Word is what we are to teach!
The main thing we need to know is that Jesus will be with us in all these things and it is still His Power that saves.
We just deliver the message as we are Christ's messengers of the truth of the Gospel!
So now let's look at the facts:
1.) Jesus had repeatedly while He lived predicted that He would suffer death and that He would rise on the third day.
2.) Jesus made His resurrection the "sign" of proof of all His claims.
3.) Jesus instituted two perpetual ordinances:
a.) One to commemorate His death.(The Lord's Supper)
b.) The other to commemorate His burial and His resurrection.(Believers Baptism)
4.) It seems that only Mary, the sister of Lazarus believed that Jesus would die and resurrect but we see that all the religious leaders and His enemies had believed and taken measures that they thought would stop it.
Mat 26:12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
Mat 26:13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
His enemies:
Mat 27:39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
Mat 27:40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Mat 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
Mat 27:42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
Mat 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
Mat 27:63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
Mat 27:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
Mat 27:65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
Mat 27:66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
Jesus risked everything of the New Testament Church and Christianity on the fact of "His Resurrection". This fact has never been proven wrong and I'm sure that Caiaphas and the Roman government did everything in their power to prove differently and failed.
Did Jesus actually die?
The facts:
1.) The written record says He died. We have that record!
2.) All historians most being non-believers said He died. (Josephus and others)
3.) The man Pilate had put in charge of those soldiers, a Centurion, officially said He died and reported this to Pilate. Pilate believed his man!
4.) Jesus was actually embalmed and buried in the Jewish fashion of that day and that tomb was barred with a great stone. There was one hundred pounds of embalming spices used. That could not have been done to someone that was alive.
5.) That great stone was sealed with the seal of the Roman government. To remove this seal was an act that required death. No Jew would have done this!
6.) There was an armed guard posted to guard this tomb. Not of the Jewish Temple guard but of Pilate's palace guard. They knew their own death would follow if they failed to do their job!
7.) It was an angel of God who has all authority that removed that stone.
8.) That Roman guard reported first to the Jewish High Priest for what they saw was supernatural things that they had no defence of. They knew they faced death at the hands of Pilate for these things they could not stop.
9.) It is the angel that told all the Jesus had risen.
Did Jesus resurrect back to life, how do we account for that tomb being empty?
1.) Some of the guard testified that the body of Jesus was stolen but that contradicts the story told to the High Priest!
Mat 28:11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
2.) The testimony of the stolen body was only told after the bribe was paid. This would have been thrown out of any court.
Mat 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
Mat 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
3.) These men could not have known anything about the body of Jesus if they had been asleep the whole time and they would have stopped it if they were not asleep.
4.) The disciples would have had no use for the dead body of Jesus. It would have proved nothing.
5.) It leaves unexplained the resurrection and appearances of those saints of old that roamed the streets of Jerusalem in full view of everyone.
Mat 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
Mat 27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
6.) A Centurion of the Roman army could not have been fooled by these things and was witness to the truth and we should believe as he did.
Mat 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
7.) The disciples believed when they saw Him:
1Jn 1:1 That which was from the beginning, [which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled], of the Word of life;
1Jn 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
1Jn 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1Jn 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
8.) His Mother, His brothers, His friends and His companions for three years could not all have been fooled!
Act 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Act 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
Let's Pray!
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