Matthew 28 verses 1 to 15 and Mark 16 verses 1 to 8 – When we come to these familiar passages in the Gospels, we occasionally take things for granted – having previously heard the narrative – perhaps many times – and the familiarity can result in us losing its meaning. emotion and freshness. Don’t let that happen to the Gospel records of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

In the days when I used to sing Psalm 23 frequently, at weddings or funerals, I sang it, as if it were the first or last time, not wanting these words to lose their truth, meaning, and comfort.

Women had questions, there is nothing wrong with questions. There is always something new, and something fresh, to learn or even experience.

The names José and María appear: two Marías and José de Arimatea.

Jesus left both the womb and the grave. Other children were born to Mary and Joseph. The Holy Spirit was doing something wonderful in Mary’s womb, and in the tomb he was raising Jesus from the dead and giving him a body that would never grow old.

Women were the last on the cross and the first at the grave.

There is fear and there is faith. Fear was caused by the evidence of the resurrection, and faith resulted from experiencing the risen Jesus.

Something supernatural happened, the evidence convinced them that something happened, and that can lead to fear. After all, they had come to anoint the crucified body of Jesus.

We need to meet the risen Jesus, the Jesus who was dead, who did not faint on the cross.

Mark 15 verse 43f – When Mark reports the burial of Jesus, Mark is actually certifying that Jesus was dead. Joseph of Arimathea is identified as a witness: the body is wrapped and the tomb is sealed. This Roman centurion would also witness the burial and report to Pilate.

Mark is also informing us of the reliability of the female witnesses, and that continues in Chapter 16.

Mark is recording a historical account. The names are repeated, what is he saying? If you don’t believe me, go and ask them, they are still alive, check my story if necessary.

Jesus had talked about this in Mark 8, 9 and 10. Jesus knew what was going to happen, soon.

One thing is clear: no one expected a resurrection from the dead!

Mark records that Jesus said he would rise again. Surely a disciple would have said – Hey, it’s the third day – said he would be resurrected – not a single disciple – if this were fiction, wouldn’t Mark have included at least one name that he expected Jesus to rise again?

This rings true historical truth.

Marcos tells us about the stone that was removed: how could they have entered otherwise?

The angel sat on it; this is nothing to angels. It is as if he said – it has been done – just as he said he would. They saw a young man, dressed in strange clothes, this was more than a human event, it was God in action.

They saw the empty tomb – Matthew tells us that Jesus found them – verse 9 – come and see – then go and count.

Luke 24 is full of personal encounters with Jesus, just like John 20.

Get this from your own experience, and then go tell it.

Personal testimony is important, and it can be even more important in these difficult days, as many have no idea what the cross and resurrection are all about.

The angel wants the resurrection of Jesus Christ to be part of his experience, these women have to meet him, and so do we.

The disciples may have fled, but Jesus was waiting for them, they may have abandoned Jesus, but Jesus wanted them back.

That is why some have doubts and questions and unbelief and unbelief: they have never met the risen Jesus. They ran, they fled, they were afraid.

Fear doesn’t make you go witness; fear does not make you go and count.

Fear prepared them to meet Jesus risen from the dead.

The Gospels give us all the details of the meetings and gatherings – Peter and John run to the tomb when they hear the women’s testimony – Jesus appears to Peter in Jerusalem – Jesus appears to these two heartbroken men on the road to Emmaus, and After that conversation with references to the Scriptures, their hearts burn within them and they hurry back to the Community in Jerusalem, and Jesus appears that night in the Cenacle and speaks words of peace, and blows on his men and his men.

If this was all a hoax, as some suggest, they would have to keep the story going for over 60 years until John died, during which time dozens of conspirators would have had to take his made-up story to the grave, including Paul.

And would all those people have given their lives for a fabricated hoax?

All that was required to disprove the resurrection of Jesus Christ was for someone to present the corpse.

In the Gospels and Acts, evidence gave way to experience.

All of this requires repetition because it is not easy to understand, it is radical, unusual and surprising, and it is unique. No other spiritual leader has done this, and that is why it all must sound so strange to many ears.

Many encountered the risen Jesus that day – the women – the two of them on the Emmaus Road – then the Upper Room – where there was fear and confusion.

The men on the Emmaus Road had heard of the empty tomb, but that second-hand evidence was insufficient; the evidence needed an experience of the risen Christ.

This was God’s way of stamping: PAID IN FULL. Sin has been paid for.

Go everywhere and preach the Gospel. The risen Lord went with them everywhere. Mark 16.

It has risen. He has risen. It’s not here, look where they put it.

Jesus said he would rise from the dead and rise again – Jesus was true to his word and Jesus is always true to his word – know and stand firm and firm on that for the weeks and months to come.

For many, the period ahead will be hard and difficult, the road will be steep, and there will be those who will need your love, light and understanding, and all the practical and spiritual help you can provide.

By raising Jesus from the dead, God has spoken. As we adhere to the Scriptures, and do not compromise our testimony, we allow the Word of God to do its sovereign work. I

For more than two thousand years, Jesus has had men and women who have served us faithfully and passed on the Gospel to us. Now we seek to transmit this same Good News to others, of forgiven sins, and the strength for the path that lies ahead, and peace with God, to share it with a world that cries out for peace.

There is a well-known ‘children’s choir’ – suitable for all ages –

“I serve a risen Savior – He is in the world today –

I know He is living, whatever men say,

I see His Hand of mercy – I hear His Voice of joy –

And right when I need him, he’s always around.

He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!

Walk with me and talk to me through the narrow path of life.

He lives! He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know that he lives?

Live inside my heart! “