Matthew 28; Reading the Bible Together

Joy:  
You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode Number 28. Today we’ll read the 28th and last chapter of Matthew together.  It’s the first Easter! The tomb is empty, the soldiers lie and Jesus appears to his disciples.    

Welcome to the lifting, her voice podcast. I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together. Some things require disciplined, and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should. It’s just easier to do it with a friend. So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud. I’m so glad you’re here.  

We didn’t get to talk about Easter this year because the podcast went live three days afterward. But it’s important that we touch on it today because the entirety of the Christian faith centers on Jesus rising from the dead. I’ll just say that the 15th chapter of the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is an excellent discussion on this subject. I can’t wait until we dive into it together. But it’s always okay if you feel led to dig a little on your own. But for now, we’ll just enjoy the account of the first Easter morning. 

Matthew, Chapter 28 After the Sabbath as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary wanted view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was this white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men. The angel told the women, Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen just as He said, Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples he has risen from the dead. And indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Listen, I have told you so. Departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy. They ran to tell his disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said Greetings. They came up, took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus told them, Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee and they will see me there. As they were on their way, some of the guards came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan. They gave the soldiers a large sum of money and told them, say this. His disciples came during the night and stole him while we were sleeping. If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble. They took the money and did as they  were instructed, and this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day. The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted Jesus came near and said to them, all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son. And if the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age.

Wow, to be alive and living in Jerusalem on that crazy upside down day. How would I have reacted if I had been with Mary and seen that angel descend and roll away that huge stone and carry on a conversation like talking with an angel happened every day. And those poor guards, big, tough guys were so blown away they fainted. Or how about walking a small distance from the tomb to come face to face with Jesus? The disciples just fell down and worshipped when they saw him. And it’s here that Jesus charges the disciples and us to go, go and share the good news of Jesus, go and make disciples followers of Jesus but sharing what we know. Sharing Jesus, learning and growing together. And finally, that wonderful promise that he is always with us. Let’s pray. Jesus, I hope we never tire of thanking you. I pray that in the reading of this chapter today, Holy Spirit that hearts have been changed softened toward the gospel story. Help us, Lord, to trust you Help us believe in your precious name. We pray. Amen.

Thank you for joining me here today I pray God will grow in you but has been planted in watered here in this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide we can look to God for guidance and comfort. Be sensitive to those your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us If you like the show, it would be great if you give it a five star review Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  See you right here tomorrow.