Focal Passage: Matthew 15:1-11, 16-20
Some news changes everything. Maybe it’s a doctor telling you, “The tests came back clear,” or it’s a soldier hearing, “The war is over,” or even a prisoner hearing, “You’ve been pardoned.” Those type of announcements can change your life.
Early on Easter morning 2000 years ago, a group of women arrived at the tomb of Jesus expecting silence and sorrow. Instead, they received the greatest announcement in human history: “He is not here, For He has risen” (v. 6). That moment didn’t just change their morning; it launched the mission of the Church.
In Matthew 28, there are three main gospel movements that I want us to take note of. First, there is a call to “Come and See.” The angel tells the women, “Come and see the place where he lay” (v. 6). The empty tomb is the foundation of the Christian faith. He is not just a good teacher who died, but He is the risen Savior who conquered death.
Josh Sinquefield
Later, as they leave, Jesus meets them personally. Their response is one of worship (v. 9). Think of seeing something for yourself rather than simply hearing about it secondhand. It carries more weight. Some things need to be experienced to truly be believed and appreciated. For us, let’s ask ourselves often if the resurrection fills us with awe and worship? Come and see!
The second gospel movement we notice is the call to “Go and Tell.” After the women see the empty tomb for themselves the angel gives them a task: “Go quickly and tell his disciples” (v. 7). The resurrection was never meant to be private information to be kept hidden. It is to be a public proclamation to share with others. These first witnesses became the first messengers of the resurrection. The good news of the resurrection is the greatest news in the world. Who in your life needs to hear the good news of the resurrection? Go and Tell!
The final gospel movement we see here is a call to “Go and Make.” Jesus tells His followers to “go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (v. 19). This is the launch of the church’s mission. This wasn’t just for a select few, but for all of us who claim to be followers of Jesus. Imagine being entrusted with delivering a life-saving message to the entire world. That is the assignment Jesus gives His followers. Are you actively participating in God’s mission or are you assuming someone else will do it? Go and Make!
Easter is an amazing celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, signifying his defeat of sin and death, and giving us life and hope. However, it’s not just a celebration; it’s also a calling. Because the tomb is empty, the message must go forward. Because Jesus is alive, the mission continues. And because He promises, “I am with you always” (v. 20), we can go with confidence. The resurrection gives us hope, but it also gives us our task. Let Him find us faithful to the task. B&R
