Dr Tom Hover
April 9, 2023
Matthew 28:1–15
THE FIRST RESURRECTION SUNDAY / Lord's Supper Night
THE FIRST RESURRECTION SUNDAY
Matthew 28:1–15
Introduction: Last week we spoke on The First Palm Sunday, today while we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, I would like to speak on the subject of The First Resurrection Sunday. Someone once said, “If Jesus Christ is still in that grave, nothing really matters. But if Jesus Christ came out of that grave, nothing but that really matters.” Let’s look in on the events at the tomb of Jesus that day and see what happened and what it means for you and me!
I. NOTICE THE BELIEVER’S APPROACH Matthew 28:1
A. Some Believer’s Came to Look Matthew 28:1
B. Some Believer’s Came to Labor Mark16:1; Luke24:1
C. Some Believer’s Came to Linger John 20:11–18
D. Some Believer’s Came to Learn John 20:3–8
II. NOTICE THE ANGEL’ ACTIVITY Matthew 28:2-8
Humanity was not the only one that sent ambassadors to the tomb early that morning. Heaven also sent an emissary to proclaim the good news that Jesus was not dead but alive. Let’s look in on the activities of the angel that first Resurrection Sunday.
A. The Angel Rolled the Stone (Obstacle One Removed) Matthew 28:2,
Mark 16:1
B. The Angel Removed the Soldiers (Obstacle Two Removed) Matthew 28:3-4, Matthew 27:62–66
C. The Angel Reminded the Saints (Obstacle Three Removed) Matthew 28:5-7
NOTICE WHAT HE REMINDED THEM OF
1. He Reminded Them of The Past Matthew 28:5, John 19:25, Isaiah 53:4–6, Hebrews 9:22, I John 1:7
2. He Reminded Them of The Present Matthew 28:6, Hebrews 7:25, John 19:30. When He rose from the dead, God the Father said, “I am satisfied!”
Jesus had proven that He was Who He had claimed to be all along:
John 11:25–26, Revelation 1:18, Acts 16:31
3. He Reminded Them of The Promise Matthew 28:6
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. They are reminded that His resurrection should not have taken them by surprise! After all, it was what He said that He would do all along:
Matthew 12:40, 16:21,16:21, 17:7,17:23, 20:19, 26:31–32, John 2:19, John 10:17–18
4. He Reminded Them of The Promise Proof Matthew 28:6
This sight caused John to believe in the resurrection, John 20:2–8
THERE ARE TWO REASONS WHY THE APPEARANCE AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE GRAVE CLOTHES ARE OF SUCH IMPORTANCE.
FIRST, there was no sign of human intervention.
SECOND, was the ancient oriental custom of the napkin.
5. He Reminded Them of The Promise Plan Matthew 28:7-8
III. NOTICE THE SAVIOR’ APPEARANCE Matthew 28:9-10
A. The Appearance of The Lord Matthew 28:9a
B. The Adoration of The Lord Matthew 28:9b, Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10,
Hebrews 13:15.
C. The Assurance of The Lord Matthew 28:10
IV. NOTICE UNBELIEVER’S ALLEGATIONS Matthew 28:11-15
A. A Big Problem Matthew 28:11
What more could the forces of evil do if the one they killed will not stay dead.
Jesus Died to Save Us and Arose from The Grave to Keep Us Saved.
B. An Evil Plan Matthew 28:12-13
C. A Collective Perjury Matthew 28:14-15
Conclusion: Thank God for that first resurrection day!
The resurrection is not merely important to the historic Christian faith; without it, there would be no Christianity. It is the singular doctrine that elevates Christianity above all other world religions.
The Message:
It says to Science and Philosophy, “Explain this event.”
It says to History, “Repeat this event.”
It says to Time, “Blot out this event.”
It says to Faith, “Believe this event.”
The Resurrection is a Cardinal Fact, Historical Fact, Personal Fact, and a Supernatural Fact! Hallelujah! Jesus is Alive!
PM SERVICE: Lord's Supper Night
