Come And See. He Is Risen

OPENING PRAYER:

Illuminating Lord, open me to the opportunities and possibilities of this day as I go through it with you.

READ: Matthew 28:1-10

Jesus Has Risen

28 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.”

Matthew 28:1-10

REFLECT:

Jesus Christ is risen today! Hallelujah! Praise God!

This was no ordinary ‘first day of the week’. It was the first day of a new era and a new creation. God was doing something unique. With all the trappings of the presence of God (earthquake, angel, ‘appearance like lightning’, clothes as white as snow) the scene is set. Mary Magdalene takes the lead, and we are drawn in. The women approach Jesus’ tomb, and they are met by an angel, and later by the Lord himself (vs 2,3,5–7,9). How things have changed in two nights! The tomb is empty. Christ is risen, just as he said (e.g., Matthew 20:18-19). Hearts thumping, the women hurry away on their mission. The angel’s words to them (vs 5–7) are for us, as well.

‘Don’t be afraid.’ God is at work. God’s righteousness has defeated human wickedness. Christ has been raised from the dead, that we may be also. ‘Come and see.’ Take a look. It bears investigation. It all points to the one who was dead and is now alive forevermore (Revelation 1:18). ‘Go and tell’ the others to meet Jesus.

The angel said, ‘Go.’ The Lord said, ‘Go.’ The other disciples had to ‘go’ to Galilee. And they did ‘go’ (vs 7,10,16). The resurrection of Christ changed their world – and ours. We lift our hearts in praise for the Easter victory.

APPLY:

Rejoice in a living Savior. Is there anyone you know who is bereaved or dying that you should be ‘going’ to see, as a disciple of the risen Christ?

I WILL STATEMENT:

I WILL start a conversation with my spouse about how I can love or respect them more.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Mighty God, what joys are mine because Jesus was raised from the dead. My fears are calmed, my heart is comforted, your Word is confirmed, and my life is changed forever.

WORSHIP:

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