So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. Luke 24:9
When I was in kindergarten, my teacher, Mrs. Cooksey, taught a Bible lesson that changed my life forever. During this lesson, Mrs. Cooksey shared the good news about Jesus. She told my classmates and me that we were sinners and that there was a separation between us and God because of our sin. She then shared the best news that Jesus came to earth and died on the cross be the bridge for us and close the separation between us and God. She told us that if we admitted our sin, believed that Jesus' death and resurrection saved us from our sin, and committed our lives to Him, we would have a relationship with Him forever. That night, I went home and prayed to God, admitting my sin, telling Him that I believed in Him, and committing my life to Him forever. Because of Mrs. Cooksey's faithfulness, my life was changed forever, and I will spend eternity with God In His kindness, God uses His people to share His message of hope and salvation with people who are lost. Today, we are going to take a look at the very first people to share the good news that Jesus was raised from the dead.
Matthew 28 picks up on a very somber note. Jesus, although completely innocent, died a criminal's death on a cross and had been dead for two days. His body had been taken to a tomb that was sealed with a stone and guarded so that no one could enter the tomb. On the third day after his death, two women went to Jesus' tomb. As they approached the tomb, an earthquake occurred, and an angel appeared who rolled away the stone. Those guarding the tomb were terrified, but the angel told the women not to be afraid. Jesus' body was not there because He had risen from the grave, just as He had promised. Hearing this, these women ran to tell the disciples that Jesus was alive and had risen from the grave.
These women went to the grave somberly, but I have a feeling that they left the grave shouting, unable to contain their joy with the news that Jesus was alive. Their message that Jesus was alive had a ripple effect that changed the world forever. In fact, because of their message, you and I know the good news today. I'm so glad that the two women were not too scared or nervous to spread the good news of Jesus, aren't you?
Friends, just as the two women in Matthew 28 were called to share the message of Jesus' resurrection, we, too, are called to run with the good news of Jesus. Will you be faithful to your call? You never know who will one day say, "I am so glad [insert your name] was bold and brave enough to share the good news of Jesus with me."
Over the last few weeks, you have been praying over a list of five people you know who do not have a relationship with Christ. Take a moment and look at your list. Pray for God to give you an opportunity to share Jesus with at least one person on your list. Be ready for whomever God brings across your path. He will give you opportunities, so be alert and aware!
Then, after you have shared the bridge diagram with them, remember to continue reaching out to that friend or family member. Here are some next steps you can take:Give them a Bible.Invite them to church.Pray for them.Continue to meet with them.
Read Matthew 28:1-10 (NLT)
Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
©2024 Sagebrush Church
