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Homiletical Helps
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SERMON Theme: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. T ext : Matthew 28:1-20. I ntroduction . This entire chapter forms a splendid text for a sermon on the resurrection. I. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ and His Post-Resurrection Appearances, vv. i-io. 1. The time o f the resurrection (cf. Mark 16:1; Luke 23:54; 24:1; John 20 : 1 ) . It was at the end o f the Jewish Sab bath and at the dawn o f the Christian Sabbath or the first day o f the week. This was in accord with prophetic announcement (Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31), and also with apostolic testi mony (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; cf. Gala tians 1:18, 19; 2 :9 ). It was also a fact accepted by the early Church (1 Corinthians 15:3). 2. The Persons to Whom Christ Appeared (28:1; cf. 27:61). Matthew refers to “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.” On the general subject o f the appearances o f Christ, cf. Mat thew 27:55; Mark 15:44-47; 16:1; Luke 23:55,' 56 with 24:1-10. The seeming differences in the narratives is an indication of the independence o f the witnesses, the one of-the other. They were not copyists. John names only -Mary Magdalene p Mark adds Salome; Luke (24:10) several others (cf. Luke 8:3 ). These differences in narration arise from the intention of emphasizing different circumstances.
OUTLINES 3. The Phenpmena Witnessed at the Tomb (28:1-8). (a) The earthquake. It was “great” and supernatural. So shall it be at the last day (cf. John 5:25-29 with 11:33-44). In connection with the rolling away o f the stone there was doubtless ,at this time the rending o f the veil o f the temple from the top to the bot tom (Matthew 27:45, 51-53; Mark 15:33-38; Luke 23:44, 45). How futile the efforts o f men who com manded that “the sepulchre be made sure” (2 7 :64; cf. Revelation 1:17, 18; 6:15, 16). (b) The angel visitors. It is interest ing to note the part the angels played in the life o f Christ (Luke 1; Matthew 2 and 4; Luke 22; Acts 1; Mark 8:38). The lesson from this (Hebrews 2:1-4; 12:18- 24). ' message was given to women. Through woman death was intro duced into the world (cf. 1 Tim othy 2:14; 2 Corinthians 11:3). Now through woman the first announcement o f the Resurrection o f Christ is made (1 Timothy 2:15). (b) The message was an inspiring and encouraging one—Christ had risen from the dead. (c ) It carried with it a responsibility 4. The Message o f the Angels (28:5-8). (a) It is worthy o f note that this first
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