OUR TASK
Matthew 28:1–10, 16–20
From most perspectives, it had been a devastating week for Jesus and His disciples in Jerusalem. The excitement of the Triumphal Entry had been replaced by the arrest in Gethsemane and the Crucifixion on Friday. It seemed that hope had died and was buried in a borrowed tomb. But as the Bible reminds us, “Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning” (Ps. 30:5).
Believe (1–7)
On that early Sunday morning, a heartbroken Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Joseph, headed for the garden tomb with spices to anoint the body of Jesus. They were unaware of the Roman seal placed on the tomb and the Roman soldiers who had been assigned to guard it. As they were approaching the garden, a massive earthquake rocked the region as an angel descended and “flicked” the massive stone out of the way.
The soldiers were stunned and catatonic. The angel sat on the stone and was waiting when the women arrived. The women were the first to hear the glorious news, “He is not here, for He has risen.”
I believe that the stone was rolled away not so Jesus could get out, but so we could look in. And that’s exactly what the women did. Despair transformed into delight as they observed the empty tomb. They were instructed by the angel to share the good news with the disciples.
Worship (8–10)
As they headed back to Jerusalem to share this unbelievable news with the disciples, Jesus appeared to them. We can only imagine what that must have been like.
Have you seen the videos where a returning soldier surprises his wife or kids? They throw themselves into each other’s arms and weep and hug and kiss. That’s what I picture these women doing. They fell down to worship Him and were probably laughing and crying at the same time.
We’re told that they were holding on to His feet, and for the second time that Sunday, they heard the words, “Do not be afraid.” They were then given a message by Jesus to share with the disciples to go to Galilee, and He would meet them there.
Share (16–20)
The disciples did as they were commanded. Luke’s Gospel has them staying in Jerusalem in the days following His resurrection, but at some point, they headed to the mountainous area in Galilee where Jesus had instructed them to go. When they saw Him, there was a mix of belief and unbelief — of worship and doubting. It was at this time that Jesus gave them the Great Commission.
The Savior who had come to seek and save the lost now gave a command to His followers to continue the mission. I prefer the translation interpretation that states, “As you are going, make disciples.” In other words, in the traffic patterns of your life, share the good news.
Not only is this a command, but it is a commission. Jesus, who has all authority, is the One who empowers us. On that basis, go! Do not only go, but take the gospel message to “all ethnos” — that is, to every tribe and tongue. There is a teaching component to the mission and a need to understand that Jesus is with us as we go.
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
