The Resurrection, Matthew 28

Matthew 28:1-6
1. Why was the stone rolled away?
It was rolled away to show that Jesus was not inside. Tha angel did not have to roll it away so Jesus could get out. The angel revealed to all present that the tomb was empty, he explained why, and gave instuuctions for Jesus' disciples.
2. How would have you reacted to the Angel's message?

Matthew 28:7-10
Listen to what Jesus did or said to them:
a. Confirmed His resurrection. (He appeared to them)
b. Calmed the woman's fears. (He told them not to be afraid)
c. Called His disciples by a new name. (Brothers)
d. Commissioned the women. (They were to testify to His resurrection and carry His commands to His disciples.)

3. Why did no one believe that Jesus had risen before receiving a clear message either from an angel or Jesus Himself?

4. How can we recapture the sense of amazement, joy, and urgency the women felt when they heard the good news of Jesus' resurrection?

5. How do we translate that sense into sharing th good news with the lost?

6. WORSHIP
When the women met Jesus they grapsed His feet in an act of worship.
a. How had their worship changed?
(They now recognized Him as deserving the worship belonging to God alone)
b. How does our worship need to change?
c. How can we cling to the Lord?

Matthew 28:16-20
Imagine that you are a disciple to whom Jesus appeared soon after His resurrection. He gave you some instructions. Someone walks up and asks some questions about this Jesus. He heard about Jesus' ministry as well as His resurrection. This person wants to ask some questions about you mission.

1. When you met with Jesus in Galilee, what did He tell you about His authority? Where did He get such authority?
2. What specific instructions did Jesus make?
3. What does making disciples mean?
4. What does Baptize literally mean?
5. What are you as disciples supposed to teach?
6. What promice did Jesus make to you?
7. How can He be with you always?

Baptize
What does Baptize mean?
What does it signify?
1. Baptize means to immerse in water.
2. Christians are baptized to affirm repentance and acceptance of Christ.
3. After the resurrection, baptism took on a fuller meaning, it became a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
4. Baptism unites and identifies new believers with other christians.

Conclusion
Jesus' death shocked and confused the disciples despite the fact that He had warned them it was coming. The empty tomb amazed and encouraged most of the disciples but left some doubting and unsure (John 20:3-9, 24-25). The ultimate proof was the appearance of the resurrected Lord Himself. The reality of the resurrection transformed the anguish of death and loss into a glorious celebration of life and hope.

On Easter we celebrate the good news of Jesus' victory over sin and death. We celebrate also because by faith in Him we can share His victory. As we celebrate new life in Christ, we must remember the command Christ gave us. He told His disciples to carry the good news to all people, making and training disciples. As we obey His command, we also can celebrate his promiseto us. He is with us today. He will never desert us. One day we will see Him in person just as He is (1 John 3:1-3).