The Hope of Life

The Hope of Life

Matthew 28:1–10, 1 Corinthians 15:17–20

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

[The Apostle Paul writes] 17If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

From last time, we might be left thinking:

This hope of forgiveness and rest sounds great, but surely all hope vanishes in the face of death?

1

What is surprising about the events Matthew records here?

2

How do the women respond on seeing Jesus? Why do you think that is significant?

3

According to the Apostle Paul, why does the resurrection of Jesus matter?

Food for thought

If Jesus really was raised from the dead, then it means I can trust everything else he said. And that really is grounds for hope…

What next...