April 17

Lesson 7

(NIV)

RESURRECTION OF THE KING!

DEVOTIONAL READING: Matthew 28:1–10 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27; 28:1–10

MATTHEW 28:1–10 1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Photo © Getty Images KEY TEXT Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.””..? We —

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Matthew 28:10 GOD FREES AND REDEEMS Unit 2: Liberating Gospels LESSONS 5–8 LESSON AIMS After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to: 1. List facts of Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance in Matthew’s account. 2. Compare and contrast that account with those of the other Gospels. 3. Sing with fellow classmates “Because He Lives” as an act of communal worship.

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I. The Empty Tomb

(MATTHEW 28:1–7)

A. The Women Arrive (v. 1)

1. After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

Sunset marked the end of the Sabbath. Dawn of the first day of the week (Sunday) was the first opportunity to go to the tomb to care for Jesus’ body. The tomb and the stone to close it had been provided by a wealthy disciple named Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57–60). 27:57  When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:27:58  He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.27:59  And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,27:60  And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Nicodemus had aided Joseph in placing Jesus in the tomb on Friday, though without any ceremony—the Sabbath and its rest fast approached with sunset Friday (John 19:38–42). The women arrived on Sunday, not out of a sense of morbid curiosity or even simple mourning, but with spices to continue preparation of Jesus’ body for burial (Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1). Mary Magdalene and the other Mary have key roles in Matthew’s passion narrative. In contrast to the apostles, the women were present at Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:50–56) and saw where he was buried (27:57–61). Mary Magdalene was a follower of Jesus from the early days of his ministry. Jesus had delivered her from a terrifying case of demon possession (Luke 8:2).8:2  And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

We remind ourselves that Magdalene is not a surname in the modern sense. Rather, it designates this particular Mary as being “from Magdala.” The “other” Mary was the mother of James and Joseph (Matthew 27:55-56 ) 27:55  And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:27:56  Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children

and possibly the wife of Clopas (John 19:25).( John 19:25 (KJV 1900): 25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas ) though the other Gospels name additional women (see Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10), Matthew may have focused on these two because of their prominence among those of Jewish background who first read his Gospel. Now all of these others named in the lesson only shows usofwhen and who these women were and how they ended up at the thumb where Jesus had laid . These are the Marys that followed Jesus on his Journey .

We have alot of women that follow Jesus just like these women did but we know that there are many names beside Mary what we do know is that women follow Jesus am i right lady? Just to see how many answer!!!!! I know for a fact that we have lot women whose mane is anything but mary ! Sho right !

B.The Angel Appears (vv. 2–4)

2a. There was a violent earthquake,

“Behold” (KJV; not translated in the NIV) is used to call close attention to what follows. An earthquake had also occurred at Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51). God’s presence or work was sometimes accompanied by grand disruptions of nature (examples: Exodus 19:16–19; 19:16  And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. Acts 16:26 , 16:26  And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. ). Those who did not know that God was present would be terrified in the face of nature’s fury without realizing that the far more terrifying Lord of the universe was present.

What Do You Think? Do displays of natural destruction cause you to fear God? Yes it shows me what great power God has way more than man can try and do!Why or why not?

Digging Deeper What place do calmer natural scenes have in causing you to revere the Lord?thats easy because all the beauty we see like the different seasons spring being my favorite! The oceans the stars in the sky all of this is from Gods creations !

2b. for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven .

Angels of the Lord had played a pivotal role in Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus, communicating and making clear God’s words and intentions (Matthew 1:20; 2:13, 19–20). Even without speaking, the angel’s presence here suggests the tomb was emptied by divine agency from heaven, not by physical, human activity. Unless there was a super hero like superman but we know the only super hero her is the supreme arcthect God himself. If he can move mountains he surely can move a huge stone. An angel sent down

2c. and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.

Stones used to close tombs were usually disk-shaped and extremely heavy. For added difficulty in accessing the tomb, those guarding it had placed a seal on the stone (Matthew 27:65–66). That the angel rolled it back singlehandedly points to his power. Interestingly, Jesus had already risen and left the grave before any of the Gospels indicate that the stone was moved. The resurrected Lord could enter or exit a locked room without opening the door (example: John 20:19–20, 26–27). He did not need the stone to be removed in order to exit the tomb. Visual for Lessons 7. While discussing verse 1, ask learners how they follow the women’s example and what effect their own seeking has on others. so ladies what would you have done if you saw the angle sitting on a stone he rolled away (w/Gods help)

V 3–4. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel’s appearance was similar to Jesus’ own during the transfiguration (compare Matthew 17:2). The angel’s physical appearance clearly marked him as a supernatural being and caused the guards great fear (compare 17:5–6). The Greek verb translated shook is related to the noun translated “earthquake” (see Matthew 28:2a, above). The echo of this word makes the stated quaking seem more violent than if it stood alone. This was not a shiver; it was a human quake. Revelation 1:17 describes a similar reaction by John to a vision of the ascended Jesus. Notice the irony: Jesus is alive, but the guards who thought they were guarding a dead body were themselves like dead men! Form what they witness made them freeze like dead men! Have any of you experienced anything like that? I know I have.

GOD’S FIREWORKS SHOW

I shot awake around 4 a.m. Even with my eyes closed, I kept seeing flashes of light coming in through the windows. Looking out the sliding screen door, I saw not the prowlers I expected but the black sky itself erupting with light! I had never seen lightning like this—continuous, with no break in the brightness. There was no rain, no thunder. I gasped when the sky brightened nearly to daylight for a brief moment. It was as if God was putting on a fireworks show. I wonder if this is how the women felt when they saw the angel at the tomb: dazzled, mesmerized. They sought Jesus, and God sent a stunning sight to greet them. Then as now, those who seek Jesus find him and find themselves in awe. This week seek Jesus without an agenda. Though there probably won’t be an angel or a lightning show, know that God is prepared to amaze you when you seek his Son. —K. D. C.

What A True statement that is boy was i amazed .

The Angel Speaks (vv. 5–7)

5a. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid,

Earlier in Matthew, an angel had told Joseph not to fear the events around Jesus’ conception and birth (Matthew 1:20). 1:20  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Now, even though the guards—whom we would expect to be pinnacles of courage—were incapacitated, the women were called to not be afraid. This angel was potentially a much more frightening presence than the guards. The women’s reaction to this exhortation is not immediately revealed (see 28:8, below). Right at that moment these women were also frozen in their foootsteps as the angel spoke , so the angle kept on talking. They were amazed and maybe afraid.

5b–6a. “for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

One would expect a crucified man to both be and remain dead. But in Jesus’ case, crucifixion and death were the last barriers to fulfilling the Father’s plan. Jesus had said he would rise from the dead on the third day (Matthew 16:21; 17:9; etc.)16:21  From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

do you feel persecuted when talking about Jesus? I know sometimes I do .because I know that some of are not listening , But I’m gonna keep talking.we just weren’t persecuted like Christ was to death .

17:9  And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead., although the disciples clearly had not understood what he meant (examples: 17:22–23; John 20:9). Jesus knew he was not caught up in some tragic accident of history. His death and resurrection confirmed his identity as Lord, Messiah, and Son of God (Acts 2:22–24, 36; Romans 1:4). Death was handily defeated by the Creator, the Lord of life (1 Corinthians 15:54–55). The immediate effects of Jesus’ crucifixion—suffering, abuse, humiliation, and painful death—are past (Philippians 2:6–11). The continuing results of that crucifixion—the forgiveness of sins—endure (Hebrews 10:19–23). This is the first explicit notice that Jesus has risen. The New Testament contains no accounts of Jesus’ resurrection per se. Instead, there are records of disciples finding the tomb empty and encountering the resurrected Jesus (examples: Matthew 28:9, below; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8). These serve as part of the validation that the event occurred, even though no one was present to observe it. Paul’s letters consistently emphasize the Father’s role in raising the Son (examples: Romans 6:4; Galatians 1:1; compare Acts 5:30). The Son had trusted the Father and submitted to the Father’s will even to the point of death (Matthew 26:42; Luke 23:46). As a result, the Father had exalted the Son.

This shows that every thing we read and have read in this book is true old and new testament. prophesied! About his coming and going back to the father.

6b. “Come and see the place where he lay.

The emphasis on the empty tomb counters any notion that Jesus’ followers were only experiencing Christ’s spiritual presence. Jesus’ resurrection involved the coming to life again of his physical body—even though that body was changed (see Matthew 28:3–4, above; compare 1 Corinthians 15:35–53). Jesus had been dead for three days, but he was alive again. The place where Jesus lay was vacant!

this ought to make all of us feel good knowing that Christ rose like he said he would. I feel about him getting up on that third day. Glory be to God .

7a. “Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead .

The Old Testament insisted that testimony be confirmed by “two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15). But women were not considered reliable witnesses and so were normally not called on to bear witness in Jewish courts. No one in the first-century AD world trying to fabricate this story would have made women the lead witnesses to it. How extraordinary that the Lord chose female disciples to be the first witnesses to the resurrection! Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were not called to testify that Jesus’ body was gone, which anyone could see by looking in the tomb as they had. Instead they carried the much more wonderful and astounding message that Jesus has risen from the dead! From this point forward, the resurrection of Jesus would be the heart of the church’s proclamation (example: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4). The disciples to whom the angel referred may have been the larger group of Jesus’ followers that the remaining 11 apostles were a part of (Acts 1:15). However, it is more likely that it was the eleven to whom the women were to tell the message (compare Matthew 28:10 with 28:16). What Do You Think? How does your belief in the resurrection of Christ influence your daily life?because of what Jesus did on that day let’s me look forward to the kingdom of god where he went to prepare a place for and you.

Digging Deeper What changes might a greater focus on the hope of resurrection make in your routines? Spreading the great news that he is risen.from the dead he deafeated death which we as followers will live eternally in the kingdom with God ,Jesus,and the Holy Spirit all around us!

7b. “ ‘and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” Galilee was the area of primary focus in Jesus’ ministry (Matthew 4:12–25; 9:35–11:1; Luke 8:1–3). The particular city of ministry focus was Jerusalem. The disciples were reminded to leave the city of primary focus and return to the area of primary focus. Jesus had earlier told the disciples that he would go before them into Galilee after he had risen (Matthew 26:32). Far from Jesus’ death throwing off all their hopes and dreams, the disciples would come to know that his death was always part of Jesus’ plans. Far from thwarting his intention to meet with them, his death was a necessary step toward that fateful day. Within a few weeks Jesus would commission those who had deserted him, just where he had said he’d find them (28:16–20). Just as the Old Testament phrases “the Lord has spoken” (Jeremiah 13:15; etc.) or “this is what the Lord … says” (Exodus 5:1; etc.) emphasized the need for the hearer to heed what was said, Now I have told you lent additional authority and urgency to the angel’s message. II. do we listen and hear to what was said in the bible do we do what was said in the bible answer- yes and no we do hear but do we listen and follow everything that is said. to be honest we dont we try but the more we try the more gets in our way to try and stop us (like satan does)always trying to stop us.

The Risen Lord (MATTHEW 28:8–10)

A. The Women Obey (v. 8)

8. So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

In obedience, the women hurried away in a mixture of emotion. Their fear likely stemmed both from awe of their contact with the angel and the magnitude of what they had heard. But they were also filled with joy that was sweeping away the grief of previous days. This great joy propelled them to run on their mission to tell his disciples about Jesus. For how surprising it would have been to the first-century church that the women were the first to testify to Jesus’ resurrection, Matthew had not hidden the importance of faithful women throughout his Gospel. Jesus’ genealogy mentioned four ancestresses (Matthew 1:3, 5–6). Throughout his ministry, Jesus had had significant encounters with women (examples: 15:21–28; 26:6–13; 28:1, above). Though women’s voices can be lost in history—especially when most believers were illiterate, and those who were not were usually men—their role in this narrative celebrates the very beginning of faithful women’s bearing witness to Jesus’ resurrection, which has continued through the centuries.

What Do You Think? What prevents you from running to tell others the news of Jesus’ resurrection? now nothing prevents me from running to tell of what our savor did for us .

Digging Deeper Is testifying about Christ to other believers a precursor -pre·cur·sor

to evangelizing? im gonna be a forrunner for christ im telling everybody im gonna be that bad refrigerator and not keep anything and tell it all.

Why or why not? why because it is Gods will for me to do so . there is no why not.

FEAR AND JOY

My mother plans carefully, always has an exit strategy, and researches excessively. She packs extra sunscreen, extra napkins, extra everything. And she always has an emergency fund for unexpected bills. One day this risk-averse woman decided to go skydiving. It was totally against her character! But even though she was scared, she wanted to know what it felt like to be completely out of control, just once. Following her safe, though ungraceful, landing, Mom had the biggest grin on her face! It’s one of my most joyous memories of her. My minister likes to say, “The safest place you can be is living dangerously in the will of God.” God doesn’t always ask safe things of us—just ask the women who were told to report that Jesus was alive! When we’re obeying the Lord, even if we’re afraid, He’ll be with us. What’s one scary thing you can do for the Lord this week? Do it, and rediscover the thrill and joy of obedience. —K. D. B.

Jesus Speaks (vv. 9–10)

9a. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said.

As though the honor of announcing the angel’s words was not enough, the women were met by Jesus himself! Their faithfulness to him was rewarded in his faithfulness and care for them. Greetings can also be translated “rejoice” (example: Matthew 5:12). The astute reader might hear more echoes from Jesus’ birth: a form of the Greek greeting here described the reaction of the magi-( magi. ( ˈmeɪdʒaɪ) pl n, sing magus ( ˈmeɪɡəs) 1. (Other Non-Christian Religions) the Zoroastrian priests of the ancient Medes and Persians. 2. (Bible) the three magi the wise men from the East who came to do homage to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:1–12) and traditionally called Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.)

when they saw the star over the place where the Christ child was (2:10). Jesus’ greeting also echoes the taunts Jesus suffered as he died (27:29). These women would have heard those taunts. Though the soldiers had not been sincere, giving reverence to Jesus was appropriate from his birth forward, and never more so than on the day of his resurrection. can you imagine hearing Jesus for the first time since the grave WOW is what i would be saying just like when i saw christ in my dreams WOW is the only way i can describe it. how about yall what would be your reaction

9b. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. The women’s actions on encountering Jesus make two very important points. Taking hold of Jesus’ feet shows that Jesus was present physically, having experienced a bodily resurrection (see Matthew 28:6b, above). He was not a hallucination, vision, or phantom. Second, they worshiped Jesus, and Jesus accepted that worship. The Old Testament Scriptures make clear that worship belongs to God alone (examples: Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 8:19). Neither angels nor apostles allowed people to worship them (examples: Acts 10:25–26; 14:11–15; Revelation 22:8–9). The women’s actions signaled that they rightly believed Jesus was God in the flesh.

What Do You Think? How do you express your worship of Christ outside of church services? i worship christ first and foremost by beliveing in Him and talking about his goodness towards me......

Digging Deeper What Scriptures inform your worship habits? my favorite is John 3:16-17 how can this not be a favorite that informs........

10. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Jesus’ words reinforced the angel’s commands to not be afraid and to go and tell (Matthew 28:5a, 7a, above). The call to fearlessness also parallels earlier commands Jesus gave his disciples when they experienced awesome demonstrations of his identity and power (examples: 14:27; 17:7). While the angel called the eleven “disciples,” Jesus emphasized his special familial love for them by calling them brothers instead (compare Matthew 12:46–50; 25:40). His command also makes clear that the men’s fleeing during Jesus’ trial and crucifixion did not result in his abandoning them. All that he had said would happen really would happen. It appears Jesus spent at least seven days in Jerusalem (John 20:19, 26) before he moved on to Galilee for a time of intense teaching with his disciples (John 21; Acts 1:3–11). Isaiah 9:1–2 calls this region “Galilee of the nations,” and Matthew 4:15 calls it “Galilee of the Gentiles.” Since “Gentiles” simply means “nations,” the reference to Galilee here probably alludes to the large numbers of non-Jews who resided in Galilee. It is highly fitting that the resurrected Jesus would launch his program of salvation from Galilee into all nations (Matthew 28:19–20).

What Do You Think? What fear do you need to set aside in order to faithfully obey God? before i accepted Christ i always had doubt about some of the things God did or let happen that was my fear.

Digging Deeper In what ways does Christian fellowship bring you confidence to act without fear? but noe that i have christ in my life there is no fear of anything because i know that God has me in the palm if his hands ho;ding protecting and lifting me up higher towardws his kingdon thank be to Christ . for getting up on that third day and giving me a way to God for ever and ever.

Conclusion

A. He Is Risen!

At the center of Christian faith is the affirmation that Jesus rose from the dead. This is the testimony of women who saw the empty tomb and who encountered the resurrected Jesus. We can trust their words, and we can live in the light of the message they were given. Believers have a new start and new life in Christ. We need not fear the grave. The resurrection of Jesus has changed everything, and we have been entrusted with that message. Because we are released from the fear of death, we are free to live for God. The faithful life requires much of us, but all that we do begins with the joy and awe of Jesus’ resurrection. From there we go out into the world to announce his resurrection and the invitation to join in his kingdom. Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates that the kingdom of God has broken into history. Its final consummation will come at the return of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20–24; Revelation 11:15). Believers may be confident that, when Christ returns, the Father will bring with Christ the dead in Christ who also had submitted and entrusted themselves to the Father (1 Thessalonians 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:12). The resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee of the believers’ resurrection and transformation at Christ’s second coming (example: 2 Corinthians 4:14). As believers, we live between the ages. The kingdom has been inaugurated, but we await its consummation (Colossians 1:12–13; Hebrews 12:28; 2 Peter 1:10–11). May our lives reflect God’s kingdom presence on earth in anticipation of the day we will experience it fully with him.

B. Prayer

We praise you, our Father, because you sent your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. We praise you because you raised him from the dead and you will raise us to eternal life. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember Our king is risen! Everything has changed!