Matthew 28:1-10

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

O God of our great deliverance, Great was the joy of Israel’s children when they saw Egypt perish upon the shore; but far greater is our joy today, seeing the Redeemer’s foe crushed in the dust. Jesus strides forth as the Victor, the conqueror of death, of hell, and every opposing might. He has shattered the chains of the grave, trampled the powers of darkness underfoot, and He lives forevermore. He is our gracious Guardian, the One who stood in our place to pay our debt. He has emerged from the prison house of the tomb, free and triumphant over sin, over Satan, and over death itself.

Show us, Lord, in this victory, the proof we need:

• That His sacrifice on our behalf is fully accepted;
• That the demands of justice are finally satisfied;
• That the scepter of the devil is splintered to pieces;
• And that his stolen throne is leveled to the ground.

Give us the deep assurance that in Christ we died, that in Him we rose, that in His life we truly live, that in His victory we now triumph, and that in His ascension, we too shall be glorified. Our Glorious Redeemer, You who were lifted up upon a cross have now ascended to the highest heaven. You, who as the Man of Sorrows were crowned with thorns, are now the Lord of Life, wreathed in eternal glory. Once, no shame was deeper than Yours, no agony more bitter, and no death more cruel. But now, no exaltation is higher, no life more radiant, and no Advocate more powerful. You ride in the chariot of triumph, leading Your enemies captive behind You. What more could be done than what You have done! Your death is our life, Your resurrection is our peace, Your ascension is our hope, And Your prayers are our endless comfort.

(Adapted from The Valley of Vision, Resurrection)

APPLICATION AND REFLECTION

In light of today's message....

• What did I learn about the gospel?
• How can I apply what I learned about the gospel to my life?
• With whom can I share the gospel this week?