The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus & The Death and Resurrection

Scripture: Matthew 27:55-56; Matthew 28:1-10

Intro: We celebrate the most pivotal event in history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His earthly life seemed insignificant by worldly standards – no office, army, or written works. Yet, His "one solitary life" has impacted humanity more than all kings and empires combined. The only explanation? He is risen! This Easter message, first witnessed by faithful women, remains the cornerstone of our faith.

Key Points:

1. The First Witnesses (Matt 27:55-56; 28:1): While male disciples scattered, devoted women like Mary Magdalene stayed through the crucifixion and were the first at the tomb at dawn, intending to care for Jesus' body. Their testimony, culturally dismissed, forms the bedrock of the Gospel account.
2. The Empty Tomb Event (Matt 28:2-7): An earthquake, a terrifying angel descending, guards frozen like dead men, and the tombstone rolled away – not for Jesus to exit, but for witnesses to look in. The angel's message to the women: "Do not be afraid... He is not here; for He has risen, as He said. Come, see..." The empty tomb offers verifiable proof.
3. Resurrection is Essential (Matt 28:6; 1 Cor 15): Why rise? Couldn't Jesus just die for sins? Paul argues resurrection is non-negotiable. Without it, faith is futile, preaching useless, we're still in sin, and Jesus is just another good man tragically killed. The resurrection is the sign Jesus promised (John 2:19), validating His identity and victory over sin and death. "He is risen, as He said."
4. Living from the Empty Tomb: The resurrection isn't just a past event; it's the lens through which we view everything. It reframes our view of Jesus (alive, powerful, holding the keys of death), ourselves (destined for resurrection), our present suffering (temporary), and our future hope (new creation, no more death or tears). We look out from the empty tomb onto life.
5. The Mission: Go Tell (Matt 28:7-10): The immediate response is proclamation. Jesus Himself meets the women, confirms His resurrection tangibly (they hold His feet), and commissions them: "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers..."

Conclusion: Everyone lives by faith in a story. The resurrection of Jesus Christ offers the most coherent, historically grounded, and hope-filled story. It's not just wishful thinking; it's rooted in the eyewitness accounts of those first disciples, particularly the faithful women, and the explosive growth of the early church fueled by this event. This isn't paying homage to a dead hero; it's worshipping a living Lord.

Call to Action: Examine the evidence ("Come and see"). Choose today which story you will live by. Profess with your mouth that God raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 10:9). If you feel unworthy, remember Jesus called His disciples who fled "my brothers." His grace extends to you. Embrace the hope anchored in the empty tomb. (Consider baptism as a public declaration of this faith).

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The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus & The Death and Resurrection (Matthew 27:55 - 28:10)
with Travis Aicklen