THE RESURRECTION OF THE REDEEMER

(Matthew 28:1-18)

I. THE RESURRECTED LORD  - Matthew 28:18aa

“Jesus came” (18a) from where?  He came from the grave--HE AROSE!

A. The Reality of the Resurrection – Mt. 28:1-5

“{1} In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. {2} And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. {3} His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: {4} And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. {5} And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified” (28:1-5).

B. The Recognition of the Resurrection – Mt. 28:6,7

“{6} He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. {7} And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you” (28:6,7)..

C. The Rejoicing Because of the Resurrection – Mt. 28:8

“And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word” (28:8).

D. The Reaffirmation of the Resurrection – Mt. 28:9-11

  “{9} And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. {10} Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. {11} Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the chief priests all the things that were done” (28:9-11).

                                            

E. The Rejection of the Resurrection – Mt. 28:12-15

“{12} And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, {13} Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. {14} And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. {15} So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day” (28:12-15).

F. The Results of the Resurrection – Mt. 28:16-17

“{16} Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. {17} And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted” (28:16-17).

G. The Recommissioning After the Resurrection – Mt. 28:18-20

“{18} And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. {19} Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (28:18-20).

II. THE REIGNING LORD - Matthew 28:18ab

“And Jesus came and spake unto them” (28:18ab).

On this occasion, Jesus did not come unto these disciples to serve breakfast (though He did serve them breakfast at another appearance as recorded in John 21:9,10), but He came for a special briefing as the Commander in Chief.

Jesus came “and spake unto them” (18ab).  This was not a zombie walking around as the Pharisees would have people believe--this is the reigning Lord who “spake unto them.”  “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).