“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.” (Matthew 28:5, ESV) The response of the women was different than the soldiers. When the soldiers saw the angel, they feel like dead men. They were marked with sheer terror. You don’t hear about the women falling like dead women like the soldiers. They were no doubt afraid … [Read more...] about Speaking to Fear
Easter
The Living Dead
“And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.” (Matthew 28:4, ESV) Soldiers had been placed at the tomb of Jesus. They were to guard the body. It was to assure that the body would not be stolen and the disciples claim that Jesus had risen. But these guards were no match for the power of God shown through the angel moving the stone. The text says they … [Read more...] about The Living Dead
Awesome God
“His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.” (Matthew 28:3, ESV) Have you ever been near a lightning strike? There is incredible power. The electricity is shocking. The light is shocking. The noise is shocking. It will disorient you at a minimum and might even kill you. Yesterday was the earthquake. Today we have the lightning. It reminds me of Moses … [Read more...] about Awesome God
Shaken
"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." (Matthew 28:2, ESV) The ground shook. The resurrection was a disruptive event. It continues to make ripples today. It shook more than the ground. It shakes history. It shakes our lives. It shakes the darkness. 2000 years later the … [Read more...] about Shaken
Out of the Darkness
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Matthew 28:1, ESV Before light had dawned, the women went to the tomb. They expected to find the dead body of Jesus. The darkness was overwhelming. There were sorrow and tears. Death had won. Hope was lost. Maybe you can relate to the women as they … [Read more...] about Out of the Darkness