Title [Matthew 28:1-20] Resurrected Jesus
Today is Easter. It is a precious and blessed day to renew the sense of mission while commemorating the resurrection of Jesus.
1. Women who witnessed the resurrection (1-4)
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome came to the tomb early in the morning with spices prepared. It was to anoint the body of Jesus. Because the grace I usually received from the Lord was great, I loved the Lord more than anyone else and it was to repay that grace. Just then, there was a great earthquake, and I saw an angel in the form of lightning and a snow-white robe coming down from heaven and rolling down the large stone that sealed the tomb of Jesus and sitting on it. It happened in an instant. The soldiers guarding the tomb trembled in fear and became like the dead. This experience was an unforgettable and blessed experience for women. May we all gain more confidence through spiritual experiences.
2. The testimony of angels (5-7)
The angel said to the women who were trembling with fear. The angel's words gave the women confidence and joy.
① He said he knew he was looking for Jesus who was crucified, and told them not to be afraid. These were words of comfort and encouragement to women. If even angels knew, God would know us more clearly. In the Lord we will have to be bolder.
② It is said that he is not here, but has risen, just as he had said. He even made sure to see where he was lying. It was the first testimony to the resurrection of Jesus. The women heard the first testimony. What a testimony of great joy and emotion. ③ He told them to go quickly and tell the disciples about the resurrection, and then go to Galilee and meet them. The resurrection news should not be yours. It should be known to all who yearn for the Lord, and to those who are trembling in the fear of death or to all people who are in despair. We must also go quickly and testify of the resurrected Jesus to all people.
3. Women who met Jesus (8-10)
Jesus personally met the women who heard the angel's words and ran toward the disciples with fear and great joy. He spoke of peace and told him not to be afraid. He also told the brothers to tell them that they would see them in Galilee. It confirmed the testimony of the angels. The women had greater joy and confidence.
Meeting Jesus is a great blessing. We hope that the risen Jesus will meet us as well. Please give me more confidence.
4. Crowds blocking the truth (11-15)
Not everyone believes and follows the resurrection. Soldiers, priests, and elders tried to oppose Jesus to the end. They were trying to distort and obstruct the truth. The soldiers who witnessed the resurrection came and reported this to the high priest. A true leader had to accept it and return to Jesus. But after an emergency meeting, they gave the soldiers a lot of money, telling them that while we were sleeping, his disciples came and stole the body. The soldiers got paid and did what they were taught. Distorted the truth and spread lies. Money is so powerful. At any age, there are people who hinder the truth with money and practice lawlessness and injustice. We must never become slaves to money and engage in injustice.
5. Doubtful disciples (16-17)
The disciples saw the risen Jesus in Galilee. I also worshiped. But some of them were skeptical. Doubtful groups are present in any gathering. There are people everywhere who can't believe even when they see it with their own eyes. Even within the church, there are many believers who doubt the resurrection. Are there any doubters among us? As you listen to the Word, I hope you will be convinced by the working of the Holy Spirit. Doubt is a great misfortune for himself. Faith is the greatest blessing and gift.
6. Mission and Promise (19-20)
Jesus gave his disciples a mission and gave them promises for their mission. Our mission is to ① make disciples of all nations, ② baptize them in the name of the Triune God, and ③ teach them to keep the words of Jesus. This mission has been given to us as well. All peoples are the object of salvation. Please do not forget that you have a mission to preach the gospel to them and make them disciples of the Lord. He told them to baptize. It hurts my heart that the number of church members being baptized is decreasing. Not only that, but he also told them to teach and keep the Word. We need to know that we have a mission to learn, practice, teach, and keep. This holy mission does not come from our wisdom or power. It is achieved when the Lord is with us and works with power. Even now, the Lord is with us. As the Lord is with us and works by His power, let's become us who carry out our holy missions well. I ask you again and again to become a whole church that is convinced of the resurrection and is more faithful to its mission.