Matthew 28:1-10
Introduction
The hope and help of the Christian is the death and resurrection of Jesus. The hope is in His death (sin put away) and the help is the resurrection (He lives to help us),
The Morning of the Resurrection, v. 1
The greatest morning was when the women found the stone rolled away.
A. It relieved their fears.
- The crucifixion scared them out of their wits, but the open tomb gave new hope.
B. It revived their faith.
- They would no longer remain defeated women, but flaming messengers.
C. It revealed their future.
- They knew Jesus had died and was alive again, and if Christ lived beyond the tomb, so would they.
The Messenger of the Resurrection, vv. 2-4
Suddenly, there was a great earthquake and the angel appeared and rolled away the stone and the guards became as dead men.
A. Here we see God’s providence, v. 2.
He sent the earthquake at just the right time, just as He caught a ram in the thicket for Abraham at the right time.
B. Here we see God’s program, v. 3.
God used nature and angels to do the supernatural because mortal men were helpless in this situation. We have one job–get the Gospel out and leave the supernatural to God.
C. Here we see God’s power, v. 4.
The Roman guards became as useless as dead men.
The Message of the Resurrection, vv. 5-8
A. Hope, vv. 5-6
B. Help: “Go tell,” v. 7
C. Happiness: “they ran with great joy,” v. 8