Bishop Alexis A. Thomas used Matthew 28:1-7 as his reference scripture at today's 7:30 am service.
Bishop commented about how difficult it can be to preach on Easter and Christmas, because the crowd always thinks they know exactly what will be said. Many times in church we hear but we don't listen. Listening involves cognition or thinking. Jesus ministered and taught for three years. He told his disciples what to expect, but they weren't listening. Mark 10:33 says, “Listen to me carefully. We’re on our way up to Jerusalem. When we get there, the Son of Man will be betrayed to the religious leaders and scholars. They will sentence him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Romans, who will mock and spit on him, give him the third degree, and kill him. After three days he will rise alive.” (Message)
Jesus clearly told them what was going to happen, and yet Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were on their way to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. They even wondered who would roll the stone away for them to enter the tomb. But the unbelieving Pharisees and the Roman officials had more faith in what Jesus said. They heard Jesus say that in three days he would rise again. They knew about all the miraculous works Jesus had performed. They knew about the son of the widow from Nain, Jairus' daughter, and Lazarus all being raised from the dead. Matthew 27:63-66 says,"After sundown, the high priests and Pharisees arranged a meeting with Pilate. They said, “Sir, we just remembered that that liar announced while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will be raised.’ We've got to get that tomb sealed until the third day. There’s a good chance his disciples will come and steal the corpse and then go around saying, ‘He’s risen from the dead.’ Then we’ll be worse off than before, the final deceit surpassing the first.” Pilate told them, “You will have a guard. Go ahead and secure it the best you can.” So they went out and secured the tomb, sealing the stone and posting guards." (Message) Sealing the tomb did them no good! Matthew 28:2-4 says, "Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God’s angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn't move." (Message)
What can we take away from this sermon? Great question! Bishop gave us four points...
Fear Not - Just as the angel told the women, there is nothing to fear! Jesus has overcome the enemy! We are victorious through Christ! No weapon formed against us can succeed!
He Is Risen, just as he said! - He is risen! Thousands of years later we are still celebrating his resurrection and being blessed by his sacrifice. His Word is true! He is trustworthy!
Come See - The old folks used to say, "Some things are better caught, than taught." or "I can show you better than I can tell you." Meaning experience and hands-on practice will enable you to understand and comprehend better than verbal instructions. You have to see Jesus for yourself. My experience may be inspirational, but experiencing God's love, power, deliverance, and provision for yourself is the best way to build trust and increase faith.
Go Tell - In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (King James Version)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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