86 The Resurrection [Matthew 28:1–15]

The Bible passage: [Matthew 28:1–15]

The Story:

After the Sabbath, before daylight on first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a violent earthquake. An angel descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow.

The guards were so shaken with fear that they all passed out.

But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and look at the place where they laid His body. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. He is going ahead of you to Galilee, and you will see Him there.’”

Quickly leaving the tomb with great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news.

Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him.

Then Jesus told them, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee. They will see Me there.”

As they were on their way, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. After the priests and the elders had agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money and told them, “Tell everyone that His disciples came during the night and stole Him while you were asleep.’ If the governor hears of this, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.”

They took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.

The Lessons:

• Resurrection is the restoration of a person to life after they have died. The resurrection of Jesus shows his power over death and gives us hope of life after death.
• There were several women named Mary who followed Jesus. We can’t be sure who “the other Mary” was.
• The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid.” This statement was very common when angels appeared to people. With angels saying this so often, the appearance of an angel must have been something that created fear.
• This whole story brings to mind [Psalm 30:5], which says, “Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning.” (CSB)

Previous: 85 Jesus is buried [Matthew 27:57–66]

Next: 87 Mary Meets the Risen Jesus [John 20:1–18]

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