JUST AS HE PROMISED

READ: Matthew 27:57 - 28:15

ANSWER THIS: When’s the last time someone actually did what they said they were going to do for you?

THE BREAKDOWN

It’s late Friday, and Jesus is dead. A wealthy religious leader named Joseph, from a city called Arimathea, had argued with the other leaders against executing Jesus (see Luke 23:51) and goes to Pilate to ask for his body. Pilate, the Roman governor who yielded to the other Jewish leaders and sentenced Jesus to death, releases the body to him.

Joseph wraps the body in linen cloths, as Jewish custom required, and places it in his own burial cave, rolling a huge stone across the entrance so it couldn’t be disturbed. Watching were two women, both named Mary, who were followers of Jesus.

On Saturday (called the Sabbath by the Jews—a day designated for rest), religious leaders approach Pilate suggesting he seal off the cave and place guards there. Several times, Jesus had mentioned being “raised after three days.” So, their reasoning is, if followers of Jesus steal his body, rumors might spread that he rose from the dead, and a riot could break out. So, Pilate agrees with their recommendation.

On Sunday, the same two women who watched Joseph place Jesus’ body in the cave, go visit it. Prior to their arrival an earthquake strikes, and an angel rolls the stone away from the entrance to the cave and sits on it (see Mark 16:4, Luke 24:2, and John 20:1). The angel’s appearance is so alarming, the guards placed there by Pilate faint in fear. Only when the women arrive does the angel make the typical angelic announcement: “Don’t be afraid.”

The angel then tells the women Jesus isn’t there, he’s risen from the dead, and that he'll meet them in Galilee.

With mixed emotions, the women run away to tell the others. On their way, they run into Jesus, who, like the angel, tells them, “Don’t be afraid,” and reminds them to tell the others he’ll meet them in Galilee.

Meanwhile, some of the guards have gone into town to report the very thing the religious leaders had feared. So, the leaders bribe the guards to spread a lie that the disciples stole the body, then promise to defend them to Pilate, as they will certainly face harsh punishment for the body’s disappearance.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Victory Day marked the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allies in World War II. The Resurrection was God’s Victory Day—death’s unconditional surrender to Jesus.

Why is that so important? Because Jesus’ victory over death gives us the assurance we can trust him at his word (multiple times he promised he would be raised from the dead) and the assurance that there is life after death.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR ME?

If anyone wants proof that Jesus was who he said he was, they need not look any further than the Resurrection. Not only did Jesus keep his promise that he would rise from the dead, but he also showed us that we need not fear death.

Eternal life with him awaits us after this life is over if we will believe and put our trust in him.

PRAYER

“Jesus, it’s honestly more than I can grasp. Thank you for loving me sacrificially, and offering me a life beyond this one.”