It was their love for the Lord Jesus that brought these devoted women to the sepulcher very early on the first day of the week. They need not have worried about who would roll back the stone from the door because the angel of the Lord had already done this, not to let the Lord out, but to show the world He was not there. He was risen!
Great joy filled the hearts of these women as they ran to bring the good news to the Lord’s disciples. Would those who hated the Lord now be persuaded who He was and repent of their sins? No, they heard what the soldiers had to say and then made up a story which is commonly reported to this day by those who would not “be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:3131And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:31)).
Nazareth, where Jesus was brought up, was in Galilee. That is the area where He began His ministry (Luke 23:55And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. (Luke 23:5)) and that is where He ends with His loved disciples. Have you ever heard, “Don’t be a doubting Thomas”? Well, when the 11 disciples saw the Lord, they worshipped, but some doubted — Thomas was not alone! Thomas is also called Didymus, which means “a twin.” Perhaps we are his twin, for we often doubt the Lord instead of trusting.
Although the word “trinity” is not found in the Bible, the three Persons of the Godhead — the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit — are mentioned in one verse in which the disciples are sent to teach worldwide. What a comfort it must have been to the Lord’s followers that He would always be with them, no matter where they went.
As we conclude this lovely Gospel, may we remember that God’s promise still stands: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
1. The angel showed the women that the Lord was risen from the dead. What day of the week did this happen? __________ Matthew 28:___
2. A little while ago, these women were filled with sorrow at the cross. Now what filled their hearts as they ran to bring the disciples word of His resurrection? __________ Matthew 28:___
3. The soldiers were paid to tell a lie about Jesus’ empty tomb that is __________ reported among the Jews to this day. Matthew 28:___
4. A certain area is mentioned three times in this chapter. Where was the mountain where Jesus appointed the disciples to go? __________ Matthew 28:___
5. The three Persons of the Godhead are named in this chapter. They are: __________ Matthew 28:___