Day 8 of 8
Easter Sunday | Sunday, April 9
Today's Reading
Matthew 28:1-10
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. 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. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 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." So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."
Can you imagine the shock, amazement, and joy of the resurrection on that first Easter Sunday morning more than 2,000 years ago?
The scene unfolds in Matthew 28 with a violent earthquake and glorious appearance of an angel of the Lord as Mary Magdalene and the other Mary walked to Jesus’ tomb.
The guards at the tomb were so afraid in this moment the Bible says they "shook and became like dead men."
Then came the moment Jesus appeared to the two women. After Jesus greets them, he said, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
Jesus appeared to his disciples in Galilee. Scripture reveals that while the disciples worshiped him, some doubted. Jesus then shares his final words before he ascends into Heaven, what we traditionally call the Great Commission:
All authority in heaven and on earth as been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Jesus conquered death. He did just as he said he would! And through his death, burial, and resurrection, he inspires, challenges and comforts.
We can live in the reality of the resurrection!
The resurrection inspires. There never has been and never will be another like Jesus Christ. The prophets foretold his story. The one who would perform miracles, speak with such authority, and conquer the grave. There never has been nor ever will be a Gospel movement like what Jesus of Nazareth set in motion.
The resurrection challenges. I had a friend remind me that the first two letters of Gospel are "Go." We have an awesome challenge to bear witness of a story that continues to transform lives, but we must go and share the Good News. Jesus’ story challenges us because it changes us.
With the exception of John, although he suffered greatly, every one of Jesus’ disciples would be put to death for their faith in Jesus.
The challenge behind the Great Commission is a command. We are to go. While you may not be asked to go to another country, you may have an opportunity go right next door, or perhaps to someone at your office or school to share the story of Jesus! At the heart of the Gospel is an invitation. How will you respond?
Finally, the resurrection comforts. We are living in a unique inflection point of history. One that is often filled with anxiety, fear, and doubt. What a comforting promise that in his last words Jesus boldly proclaims that "surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
As the resurrection scene unfolds, the first words from the angel to the women were, "Do not be afraid." After greeting them, the first words Jesus shared with the women were "Do not be afraid." Did you know there are more than 365 mentions in the Bible to "fear not!" That’s a reminder for every single day of the year. And what comfort to know that we can not only fear not, but that Jesus is with us.
Walking the steps of Jesus through our Resurrection Week Devotional Series has not only revealed our humanity in the lives of the characters written about, but has also displayed the majesty, power, and glory of Jesus Christ.
Allow yourself to be caught up in the excitement and wonder of the resurrection story. But do not stop there. Let the story of Jesus Christ transform you for your good and His glory.
Live in the reality of the resurrection!
Dr. Adam C. Wright serves as President of Dallas Baptist University.