Bible Study Wednesday, April 7, 2010 The Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake

1. “COME AND SEE” Matthew 28:1-7 (NIV) Bible StudyWednesday, April 7, 2010The Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake

2. (1) After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.   (2) There 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. (3) His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. (4) The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

3. (5) The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. (6) He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. (7) Then 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."

4. Most of us have had experiences where we felt anxious about a difficult circumstance over which we had no control. This is especially true if the situation negatively impacts someone you love. Whether it is a tragic accident, a sudden announcement of an illness that is life threatening, or an unexpected reversal of  anticipated positive outcomes, we feel helpless, hopeless, and powerless.

5. We are often disturbed and frightened as we deliberate on what the ultimate consequences will be. This is the description of   the condition of the women who came to the tomb on Easter Sabbath to perform   their elaborate funeral ritual on Jesus. They came in spite of their uneasiness, doubt, and anxiety. • They were keenly aware that just as Herod had employed Roman soldiers to kill Jesus immediately after His birth, the chief priest employed the Roman soldiers to prevent the resurrection. Nevertheless, the women came to express their love to Jesus.

6. The men had fled in terror when they saw that Jesus had demonstrated no supernatural power to set Himself free from the cross. They could not believe that He would not come down from the cross and defeat His enemies. He was dead and buried out of their sights. With hopes crushed and faith dissipating, they went into hiding. Misery, disappointment, and despondency has a way of making people forget what you have from Jesus.

7. Thank God, the women remembered that Jesus had demonstrated that He loved them with a greaterlove than they had ever known. In the darkness, just before dawn they arrived at the tomb. They had been denied from touching the body of Jesus on Friday; but, they kept their faith and showed up Sunday morning. • They looked at the tomb where He was laid on GOOD FRIDAY. On Sunday, they came to anoint His body only to discover that the tomb was empty.

8. The Bible says; (2)There 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. Some commentators say, “the stone was not rolled aside so Jesus could get out, but so others could get in and see that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, just as He had promised.”

9. It is our belief in the promise that helps us endure the pain when we are faced with sorrowful events. When we cannot collect our thoughts; there seems to be no hope; we are horrified and terror stricken we must love Jesus because He first loved us. • When the women went to the tomb an angel said: (5)"Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. (6) He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

10. The message for us is: (1) DO NOT BE AFRAID. The reality of the resurrection is joy and gladness. Jesus had made the constant refrain that He would rise on the third day. But, when the women arrived at the tomb, and discovered He was not there, they were overcome with fear.

11. We must learn from their experience that as you face the realities of everyday living you must let the words that Jesus spoke be the encouragement that keeps you from capitulating to fear. Jesus’ resurrection helps you find peace and joy when all hope seems to be lost.

12. In verse 5, The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.” • The resurrection reminds us that Jesus’ promise to us is still real. He is with us always. It is with this belief that we are able to persevere in the face of trials, tribulations, sickness, sorrow, uncertainty, and despair. If you truly believe in the resurrection, you come to realize that some of the things in your life that you thought were dead: dreams, hopes, and aspirations can be brought back to life.

13. (2) ACKNOWLEGE THAT JESUS IS NOT DEAD. “(6) He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.” When Jesus manifests Himself in your life, you should be glad to let others know that He resides in your heart, soul, and mind. As you are blessed, you must become a blessing to others. Verse 7 says; “Then 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.”

14. You have a sacred responsibility to spread the joy of the resurrection and the greatnews about JESUS to others who need to hear. (3) WORSHIP HIM IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH. (8) So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples. (9) Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," He said. They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him. (10)Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."