He is risen!
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | October 7, 2023 | Matthew 28:5-7
KEY VERSE:
⁵The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:5-6 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is the moment that changed history and offers us eternal hope. Today, we focus on Matthew 28:5-7, where the angel at the empty tomb declares, "He is risen." These words carry profound significance for us as believers. In verses 5 and 6a, the angel announces to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen." This message is a powerful declaration of the resurrection, the most pivotal event in human history. Just as the angel comforted the women and assured them of Jesus' resurrection, we too can find comfort and hope in this truth. The resurrection is God's assurance that Jesus conquered sin and death, offering us forgiveness and eternal life.
The angel's message continues with an invitation: "Come, see the place where he lay." The angel invites the women to be eyewitnesses of the empty tomb, reinforcing the reality of Christ's resurrection. Like the women, we are invited to be witnesses of the resurrection's power. Through our faith and transformed lives, we can testify to the world that Jesus is indeed risen. This invitation compels us to live in a way that reflects the life-changing impact of His resurrection.
In verse 7, the angel instructs the women to go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus has risen and will meet them in Galilee. This command marks the beginning of the Great Commission, the call to share the Gospel with the world. We are recipients of this same command. Just as the women were entrusted with the message of Christ's resurrection, we are commissioned to share this life-transforming truth with others. The resurrection is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality that we are called to proclaim.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
The words "He is risen" hold immense power and meaning for us as believers. They remind us of the victory of Jesus over sin and death, offer us hope and assurance, and commission us to be witnesses and messengers of this glorious truth. As we reflect on this passage, may our hearts be filled with gratitude and our lives be dedicated to sharing the message of the risen Saviour.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible truth of Christ's resurrection. Help us to live in the light of this reality, to be faithful witnesses, and to boldly share the message of His victory with the world. May we never lose sight of the hope and assurance found in the words, "He is risen." In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! __ DAILY word study: RISEN
The Word "Risen" in Greek is translated from the word: "ἠγέρθη" (ēgerthē): This is a form of the Greek verb "egeirō," which means "to raise up" or "to lift up." In the context of the resurrection, it denotes Jesus being raised from the dead.
The verb "egeirō" is extensively used in the New Testament, especially in relation to the resurrection:
Jesus' Resurrection: It is commonly used to describe Jesus being raised from the dead (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31, Luke 24:7, etc.).
General Resurrection: The term is used in broader contexts discussing the general resurrection of the dead, both of the righteous and the unrighteous (John 5:28-29, Acts 24:15).
Spiritual Resurrection: In a spiritual sense, it's used to describe believers being raised to newness of life through faith in Christ (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12).
In Matthew 28:6, the announcement that Jesus has "risen" is the core proclamation of the Christian faith. It signifies the climax of God's redemptive plan, validating Jesus' claims, and establishing the hope of believers. Some observations we can make about the use of the word in our passage are:
Fulfilment of Promise: The statement "just as he said" emphasizes the fulfilment of Jesus' own predictions about His resurrection (Matthew 16:21, 17:23, 20:19). It underscores the reliability of His words.
Victory Over Death: The resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of Jesus' victory over sin and death. It signifies the reversal of the effects of the Fall, bringing life and immortality to light (2 Timothy 1:10).
Foundation of Christian Faith: The resurrection is the linchpin of Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:17). It validates Jesus' identity as the Son of God and serves as the foundation of hope for believers.
The word "risen" invites us to delve into the heart of the Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It challenges us to ponder the personal significance of this event and to consider how it shapes our beliefs, perspectives, and daily walk with Christ. Reflections How does the reality of the resurrection impact your understanding of salvation, hope, and the transformative power of Christ in your life?
Comentarios