He is Risen and We are Sent

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Resurrection Sunday-1

TITLE: He is Risen and We are Sent

TEXT: Matthew 28:1-20

TONE: Encouragement

TARGET: Believers

TASK: To encourage believers to make disciples in light of Christ resurrection.

TEACH: When I worked offshore and saw dolphins for the first time, it was breathtaking. All I wanted to do was look and tell others. As majestic as that sight was, it compares nothing to the empty tomb.

TRUTH: At the beginning of this passage, we are presented with a powerful and awe-inspiring account of the angelic presence at the tomb of Jesus. This passage captures the moment when the divine break into the natural world, marking the pivotal event of the resurrection.

 

After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to visit the tomb. They encountered a dramatic scene: a great earthquake occurred, and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven. The angel’s appearance was like lightening, and his clothing was as white as snow. The angel rolled back the stone from the tomb and sat on it.

 

This dramatic entrance signified divine intervention and sets the stage for the revelation of the resurrection. The events underscore the power and authority of God, shaking both the physical and spiritual realms. Evey realm is affected by His resurrection. What power! What authority!

 

The power of Resurrected Christ indwells every true believer. Empowering us to be faithful witnesses of Christ death, burial, and resurrection. The purpose of the Spirit in relation to the resurrection is to empower us (the church) for evangelism. Notice the constant movement around the text and the use of repetition. Obviously, the resurrection of Christ has caused quit a stirring. I just don’t believe anyone can truly encounter the resurrected Christ (spiritually) and sit still. To the contrary, it causes no small stirring among His disciples.

 

Let’s take notice of the repetition and the words used.

 

 

See (v.1, 5, 6,10) X4

Go (v.7, 10, 11, 19) X4

Tell (v.7, 8, 10, 13, 20) X5

 

Those of us who have seen are to go and tell so others can come and see. This is exactly what the woman at the well did. Both passages, in similar fashion, end with a commission.

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I.                            The Resurrection of Jesus is the Foundation of our Mission.

Explanation: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our Christian faith -it signifies the victory over sin and death and affirms Jesus as the Son of God (see. 1Cor.15). In Matthew 28:1-10, we find the account of the women who sent to Jesus’ tomb only to discover that He had risen. This event is both a moment of personal transformation and a divine commission. Their encounter with the risen Lord changes fear into joy and sets the stage for their mission.

 

Immediately following this, they are given a directive: “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead” (28:7). The resurrection is not a secret to be kept but a message of hope and redemption that must be shared. The woman serves as the first evangelists, embodying the mission that all believers are called to undertake.

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II.                        Making Disciples is the Heart of our Mission.

Explanation: Making disciples goes beyond merely sharing the gospel; it’s about fostering a deep relationship with Jesus that transforms the individual’s life. A disciple is someone who learns from Jesus, lives in His ways, and helps others do the same. This process involves teaching, nurturing, and guiding others in their spiritual growth.

 

Discipleship is inherently relational. Jesus’ ministry modeled this, as he invested time, energy, and love into His disciples, teaching them through His words and actions. Effective discipleship involves walking alongside individuals, sharing life with them, understanding their struggles, and encouraging their spiritual development.

 

It is a process that involves seeking holistic transformation -changing hearts, minds, and behaviors.

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III.                   God’s Promises are the Courage for our Mission.

Explanation: Jesus’ promise to be with us always signifies the constant presence of God in our mission. Knowing that we are never alone imparts courage and strength to face uncertainties and challenges. The presence of Jesus is an Achor for the mission.

 

Furthermore, God’s presence is not passive; it actively empowers us. Just as Jesus empowered His first disciples to carry out His mission, He empowers us today with the Holy Spirit. This empowerment allows us to speak boldly, act justly, and love with the same compassion demonstrated by Christ.

 

The promise underscores God’s faithfulness. Throughout Scripture, God’s promises have always been fulfilled, reflecting His unchanging nature.

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IV.                   Urgency is the Tone of our Mission.

Explanation: In verses 11-15, we encounter a vivid example of how the enemy works to undermine the truth by spreading a false message. This passage describes the actions taken by the chief priests and elders to counteract the resurrection of Jesus.

 

After the resurrection, the guards at the tomb reported that miraculous events to the religious leaders. In response, the leaders concocted a plan to suppress the truth. They bribed the soldiers instructing them to spread a false narrative -that Jesus’ disciples had come during the night and stole His body while the guards were asleep.

 

As we see, the primary tactic of the enemy is sow seeds of doubt and confusion. By spreading the lie about the disciples stealing Jesus’ body, the leaders aimed to cast uncertainty over the truth of the resurrection. Yes! The enemy is actively at work against the gospel message.

 

 

 

 

GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES by J. Brian Craig

Leader in italics

 

VERSE 1

He said to go to ev’ry nation

He said tell ev’ry one

He said to make them true disciples

and then the job will get done

 

CHORUS

Jesus said, go and make disciples of all nations

then baptize them in my name

teach them to obey all I have taught you

and I am with you all the way

 

VERSE 2

teach them to bow before the Father

teach them to flee from sin

teach them real love for one another

make them true fishers of men

 

VERSE 3

let’s go to each and ev’ry nation

let’s go tell ev’ry one

let’s go make them true disciples

let’s go ‘til this world is won

 

 © 2012 - 2025 Blake Gideon. All rights Reserved 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Edmond, OK, USA

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