In the good news of Jesus resurrection, we see that
• Those who do not withhold from Jesus always get their concerns met and fear removed (the stone which was their concern had been rolled away before they arrived (vs. 1-4).
• Those who seek Jesus curiously always receive good news (vs. 6; Mark 15:47).
• The place of seeking Jesus is the place of receiving one’s assignment, with the power and boldness to bear witness of Him (vs. 7).
• Those who seek Jesus and agree to bear witness of Him always find Him (vs. 9, Matt. 28:9-10).
o Do not wait until you understand everything about Jesus; just set out to proclaim Him, He will reveal Himself to you.
• Those who give up or are complacent will remain mourning and weeping (feeling like victims (vs. 10).
• Non-seekers always remain in doubt (vs. 11-13).
o An indication that they never believed Him when He was still alive telling them that He would die and rise again.
• Jesus is disappointed when we doubt Him (vs. 14)
The Report of the Guards (Matt. 28:11-15):
11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.
12 And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money
13 and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’
14 If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
15 So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day.
• Do not collude [conspire, plot, scheme, plan, connive, machinate, be in cahoots] with people to misrepresent the truth. No matter how believable you sound, the truth is the truth – it will be revealed one day.
• People bear news in different ways: The women bore the news of resurrection; the guards bore the news of resurrection cover-up.
o What news do I bear?
The Great Commission/Assignment: (vs. 15-18; Matt. 28:18-20)
15 “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
• This is an assignment for all followers of Jesus – to go and make disciples by teaching people what we have learned from Christ (Matt. 28:19)
16 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
• Salvation is not a sentimental issue; it is based on whether or not a person believes in Jesus.
17 “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;”
• As believers, miraculous signs and powers should be evident in our lives.
• We should pray for the signs that follow believers to become activated in our lives.
18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
• As believers, we are protected from dangers and attacks – having a sense of security (vs. 18; Matt. 28:20).
• As believers, we are empowered to heal the sick (vs. 18 & 20).
Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, halleluiah (vs. 19).
