This week on the Bible for Busy People, we’re going to be studying Easter. The rest of the story so much good is ahead. Last week, we prepared our hearts for the Lord’s suffering, for the mission that he came to this earth to accomplish, and we were together as he enjoyed the last Supper with his closest followers. And when he went to the garden and to the cross, and as he was crucified, you and I remember just how loved we really are. We understood afresh that redemption is only possible when you and I invite Jesus into our hearts, and accept the fact that his blood washes us whiter than snow.
You and I left on a somber note last week, but it wasn’t the end of the story. It was the beginning of hope for humanity. So join me. We’ve already begun our study together today. We’re in Matthew chapter 28, picking it up in verse two.
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Transcription:
Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake.
Hi, I’m Erica, and I’m so excited to celebrate with you. This week on the Bible for Busy People, we’re going to be studying Easter. The rest of the story so much good is ahead. Last week, we prepared our hearts for the Lord’s suffering, for the mission that he came to this earth to accomplish, and we were together as he enjoyed the last Supper with his closest followers. And when he went to the garden and to the cross, and as he was crucified, you and I remember just how loved we really are. We understood afresh that redemption is only possible when you and I invite Jesus into our hearts, and accept the fact that his blood washes us whiter than snow.
You and I left on a somber note last week, but it wasn’t the end of the story. It was the beginning of hope for humanity. So join me. We’ve already begun our study together today. We’re in Matthew chapter 28, picking it up in verse two.
For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone and sat on it. His face shown like lightning and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angels spoke to the women. Don’t be afraid, He said. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here. He has risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.
Can we pause here for a moment and just allow our hearts to be filled with wonder? These women have gone from the deepest sadness, to the deepest gladness. God has now given them a joy that nobody could ever take from them again. He has risen just as he said. Alright, picking it up in verse eight. now.
The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened, but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angels message.
Can you imagine? They were probably going, wait, what did he say again? Okay, you remember that part? I’ll remember this part!
And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them, and they ran to him grasped his feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee and they will see me there.
Oh, more wonder, more joy. Isn’t it amazing how the Lord understands when you and I are afraid, the first thing he says to the women, because he knows their hearts are filled with joy, but it’s hinging on something. Is this really true? Did I see what I just saw? And the Lord immediately says to them, first thing, don’t be afraid. He’s saying that to you today too. No matter what you’re going through, he’s the same Jesus. Don’t be afraid. Verse 11 now.
As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priest what had happened. A meeting with the elders was called and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They told the soldiers, you must say Jesus’s disciples came during the night while we were sleeping and they stole his body. If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble. So, the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
But we know what really happened. Jesus didn’t stay dead, and over the next few days, just as we followed him through his suffering, to the last supper, to the garden, to the cross, you and I are going to follow Jesus as he interacts with those He loved the most after he was risen. Oh, it’s going to be such an encouraging wonderful week, but I want to focus on two words that the angel spoke to the women when they went to the tomb early that first Sunday morning. He said, come see, come see where his body was lying. Those words are an invitation to have faith. Jesus spoke those words in John’s gospel, chapter one. Now, quick note here. There’s John, the disciple who’s writing the gospel, and then there’s John the Baptist, who in this story is inviting people to repent of their sins and be baptized. Picking up the story. Now in John chapter one, verse 35,
John
John the Baptist
was against standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, look, there is the lamb of God. When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. Jesus looked around and saw them following, what do you want? He asked them. They replied, rabbi, which means teacher, where are you staying? Come and see, He said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day,
And we know the story from there, many would follow Jesus. Now, I point these words out today because they’re for you and I too. Jesus said, come see. The angel standing or sitting, whatever he was doing in that empty tomb was saying, come see! And I want to invite you on a journey this week to come see what happened after Jesus rose from the dead. What we believe is real and it’s beautiful. We’re going to go back to John’s gospel now, chapter 20 verse 30.
The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs, in addition to the ones recorded in this book, but these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him, you will have life by the power of His name.
That is my prayer for you right there for this week and every week. Until next time when you and I encounter a very charismatic stranger, or is he a stranger, on the road to a place called Damas. Remember, you are loved.
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