3 unavoidable truths about the resurrection
I. You Can’t Avoid the Reality of the Resurrection
A. Some try to suppress the message
Matthew 28:11-15 - Now while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.” And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day.
B. Some doubt what they see
Matthew 28:17 - When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.
C. Disciples trust His message
Matthew 27:63, 28:6a - Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, “After three days I am to rise again.”… He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.
Matthew 28:2-7 - And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”
Matthew 28:9a, 17a - And behold, Jesus met [the women] and greeted them… When [the disciples] saw Him…
II. You Can’t Avoid the Power of the Resurrection
A. Some try to keep Him in the tomb
Matthew 27:62-66 - Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’ Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.
B. Disciples can’t help but worship
Matthew 28:9, 17 - And behold, Jesus met [the women] and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him…When [the disciples] saw Him, they worshiped Him…
III. You Can’t Avoid a Response to the Resurrection
A. Some fearfully flee
Matthew 28:4, 11 - The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men… Now while [the women] were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.
B. Disciples fearlessly go!
Matthew 28:5a, 7a - The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid…Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead…”
Matthew 28:10a - Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and take word…”
Matthew 28:18-20 - Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
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