The Bible Notebook

Implications of the Resurrection for Today
Matthew 28:1-10

Verse 2 – The angel did not roll the stone away so Jesus could escape the tomb. No thing on earth or elsewhere could possibly prevent the Lord from exiting that tomb. No, instead the stone was rolled away for those seeking the tomb – the disciples and ultimately for us who seek the Risen Lord.

Verse 5 – The women were looking for Jesus. Now we know from Mark 16:1 and Luke 24:1 that these women came to the tomb with spices expecting to find Jesus body so that they could embalm it for proper burial. What they found was obviously not what they expected or were looking for. Despite them looking for Jesus for the wrong reasons, the angel met them there and gave them an ever-so-relevant message. This angel told them the profound message of the risen Christ and their mission in spreading this truth. The blessing of women in spreading the good news found in this passage indicates the importance and equality Jesus placed on women.

Some Key Points:

• “…Do not be afraid…”
  • Very often when an angel appears to people throughout the Bible they begin their conservation with these words. It seems to make sense that ordinary people would be frightened of such encounters. When God communicates an important point to us, He wants us to have a spirit of confidence in Him, not a spirit of fear.
• “…You are looking for Jesus…”
  • Are you looking for Jesus? Are you seeking after Him with your whole heart and allowing His desires to overtake your own? Even if you’ve done so, examine your motives – are you seeking Him for selfish reasons? Or are you seeking Him so that He may be glorified?
• “…He has risen…”
  • This very truth is crucial to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If He had not risen, then our faith would be meaningless (1 Cor. 15:14-20). But the fact is that He has risen from the grave proving that He is Lord over death and sin. How will you respond to this living Lord who offers new life to you?
• “…Go quickly and tell…”
  • This is similar to the command Jesus gives just a few verses later in Mt. 28:19-20, commonly referred to as “The Great Commission”. This action of telling others about the hope we have is not to be taken lightly, for it is of utmost importance. For if we truly love the Lord and those people around us that He has graciously given us to be with, then why won’t we boldly declare the thing these people desperately need to hear?
• “…The women hurried away… and ran to tell…”
  • Not only were the women given the command to go and tell, but they followed through. They were obedient to the command. Guess what – Jesus wants the same from you. He’s asking for your obedience. If you truly love Him, you’ll follow through with His commands for your life (John 14:15). So, how can this good example of these women motivate you to pursue a similar course of action in your daily life? What steps must you take to reposition your life so that you can be effective for God by His power? Never forget that He is able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine if it aligns with His will (Ephesians 3:20). So, what does He want to do through your life today?