November 14: Matthew 28, Mark 16

November 14, Matthew 28, Mark 16

Matthew & Mark continued… Jesus being raised from the dead. This is so significant because it means that He really was Jesus and it also means that God accepted His sacrifice. It was validated and accepted! The cool thing is that we get different view points from the different gospels!

Matthew 28 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Matthew records for us that Mary Magdalene & the other Mary went to the tomb. There was a huge earthquake and the an angel from God came and rolled back the stone that was blocking the tomb. “His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.” Picture the scene… then the angel tells them what is going on and what they are to do. “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.” God will confirm what He promises. They obeyed  and went on their way to tell the disciples. They were filled with fear and on their way, “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.” How amazing this must have been! The risen Jesus talking to them on the road!!

The Report of the Guard. Let’s not think that the religious leaders would have beans all excited about this news. The guards came to them and reported what had happened - basically they failed to do their jobs! The religious leaders got a bunch of money together and bribed the guards. They gave them the money and instructed them to “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.” Lies, Lies, and more Lies.

The Great Commission. The disciples went where they were told to go, to a mountain. “And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.” Even after seeing, some doubted. Life can be like that sometimes. But Jesus tells them, and us, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Our job is to GO. GO for Jesus and His name. Tell people about them and then walk with them on this journey of life for Him. All people, everywhere. No prejudice or preconceived notions. GO.

Mark 16 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mark records some different exchanges, but not in conflict with Matthew’s - rather it compliments Matthew’s records. Mary & Mary head to the grave to embalm Jesus’ body. They were on their way and trying to figure out how they were going to roll that big old stone out of the way. When they got there, they saw the stone was already moved back! Could you imagine their shock when they saw that and then they saw an angel sitting where Jesus was at? “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” Just like Jesus said would happen, happened. Go figure - God keeps His Word!
We will get into what Mark touches on here, Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene and the 2 disciples tomorrow when we read Luke & John’s accounts of the resurrection…

The Great Commission. Jesus appeared to his 11 disciples as they were reclining at the table, “and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.” He called them out for not believing what the ladies told them! Then He gives them their marching orders, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned…” Very similar to Matthew - GO! Then Jesus tells them about signs, which all basically mean that God will give them protection. In no way is Jesus telling to literally go handle snakes but to trust in God’s protection when you are GOING and doing His work

To sum it all up: 

• Jesus really died. He was really raised. He really talked to people. The angel really came. We are really supposed to GO & DO - we are His feet and hands and mouth every day - our lives are to reflect that. Either you are all in or you are not…