Matthew 28:1-10 (click to view Scripture below)
The text today is Matthew’s account of the resurrection. It is unique in that we see the “first responders” being two women, Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary.” They would certainly not be viewed by the surrounding culture as people whose report of this great event would be valid. But Matthew tells us they are ones who were at Jesus’ crucifixion, his burial and now are the first eye witnesses to Jesus’ victory over the grave. The past did not define the future of these two faithful women, and their lives clearly demonstrate the power of the resurrection to rescue a broken person and set that person on a new pathway.
The angel reminds these women that while what they have just experienced is quite extraordinary, it is not a figment of their imagination, but a life altering event. The angel tells them not to keep this news silent, but to tell the other disciples what they have experienced. Their obedience is rewarded when Jesus meets them on the road and assures them He indeed has risen as the angel had said.
In our ChildHope schools there are scores of students who are not the most valued people in their cultures. But the Resurrection is so powerful that these young students are changed from “invisible children” who their societies can easily bypass, into mighty witnesses for the power of the resurrection that “abundantly pardons and saves to the uttermost.”
Vice President, ChildHope
Prayer: Lord, on this Resurrection Day; We celebrate your journey from the Cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky, so today, Oh Lord, we lift your Name on high! You are risen indeed!
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Matthew 28:1-10 (ESV)
1Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 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.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
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