Jesus Rose from the Dead

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Jesus Rose from the Dead

Date: Dec. 29, 2015

Passage

Matthew 28:1-15 (ESV)

1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 28:6a

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

First, "He has risen!" (1-10). Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to the tomb at dawn on Sunday to anoint Jesus' dead body. There was an earthquake and a radiant angel which scared the guards to death. The angel said, "Jesus, who was crucified...is not here. He has risen from the dead, and is going ahead of you into Galilee." They left in fear and joy to tell the disciples. Suddenly Risen Jesus greeted them and told them again to go and tell the others to meet him in Galilee. Jesus lives! He rose again just as he said he would. Scripture, Jesus' own words and eyewitnesses all confirm that Jesus rose from the dead.

Second, an attempted cover up (11-15). The Roman guards reported the resurrection facts to the Jewish leaders. It was a chance for them all to repent and believe in Jesus. But they gave the soldiers much money to spread a lie saying the disciples stole Jesus' body. Sometimes people choose to believe a lie rather than the truth. But whoever believes that Risen Jesus is Lord will be saved (Ro 10:9).

Prayer: Jesus, I believe you are Lord and that you rose again from the dead. Reveal this truth to more and more people, even through my life and words.

One Word: Jesus rose again, just as he said

A Powerful Prayer

Acts 4:23-37

Key Verse: 4:29-30

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Today's Question

What does the fourth commandment require?

See answer and references