An Easter Sunday message on the power of the resurrection. (Matthew 28:1-15)
SERMON OUTLINE
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid.’” (Matthew 28:5)
Don’t Be Afraid: the night is dark, but a new day has dawned (28:1-4)
- The dawn of the new sabbath
- The women walking
- The earth quaking
- The angel appearing
Don’t Be Afraid: death is terrible, but Jesus is risen (28:5-7)
- Jesus was crucified
- Jesus was buried
- Jesus is risen
Don’t Be Afraid: we may experience fear, but Jesus is here (28:8-11)
- The women afraid, yet joyful Jesus appears
- The message continues
Don’t Be Afraid: we will face opposition, but Jesus has triumphed (28:12-15)
- The fear of the guards
- The plan of the religious leaders
- The critique even unto this day
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is your favorite Easter memory in your life and why?
- This weekend we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and begin a new series called “The Beginning of the End.”This week’s study focuses on Matthew 28:1-15. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then read that passage aloud.
- Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” (see 27:56, 61), who were also there when Jesus died and was buried, are the first to hear that Jesus has risen and meet Him. What do you think is the significance of these women being the first recipients of this great news?
- What do you notice about the description of the angel in 28:2-4? Why do you think an angel brought this news before the women encountered Jesus? What is the role or job of angels? (You may want to look at other angelic appearances in Matthew 1 and 2.)
- The guards fall down like dead men, and we don’t hear a peep from then until later. The angel’s first word to the women is: “Do not be afraid.” Why might fear be a normal response to an angelic visitation?
- How does the angel describe Jesus in verses 5-7? What stands out to you about that description?
- What did the angel ask the women to do in verse 7?
- If you were in the women’s shoes, what would you be feeling? Would you be excited or afraid to tell the news to the other disciples?
- When the women encounter Jesus, He greets them very simply and then affirms the angel’s message that everyone should go to Galilee. What stands out to you about the response of the women (vs 9) and the disciples (vss 16-17) to the risen Jesus?
- What happens with the guards and the religious leaders after all this in verses 11-15? Why might Matthew have included this in his account of Jesus’ resurrection?
- This Easter week, join in with the celebration of Jesus by sharing with those you know and love about Jesus the risen Savior. If you’re on your own, write down the names of specific people you want to share your faith with this week and pray for them. If you are with a small group, share those names and pray for one another before closing your time together.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 28:5-7.
- Share with others, both believers and unbelievers, about what Jesus means to you. Pray about who God would have you share with this coming week or month. Don’t just think about this, but actually do it.
- As the weather improves, take a prayer walk around where you live. Pray for those who live near you that God would open their hearts to Jesus in new ways.