RESPONSES TO THE RESURRECTION

Text: Matthew 28

In Matthew's account of the resurrection and following we see several responses that are worth noting. As I read through chapter 28 of Matthew's gospel I realized that folks are still reacting to the resurrection in the same positive and negative ways. I believe God has something to teach us this morning from His word about our responses to the resurrection. Let's turn to Matthew 28 together.

What are some of the things we see in response to the resurrection?

I. FEAR (vv. 4-5)

The word that is used for "fear" is "phobeo". If it sounds familiar it is because we derive the word "phobia" from it. It has a dual meaning and I believe both apply here.

A. One meaning it "to be exceedingly afraid". It is not hard for us to imagine this if we place ourselves at the scene of the empty tomb and in the presence of an angel whose countenance was like lightning. "Touched By An Angel" is a good family show but I don't believe the folks at the empty tomb were in the presence of a gentle woman with an Irish brogue.

1. There was the fear that fell on the "keeper" of the tomb that first Easter morning. It was the same dread that echoed throughout the regions of darkness. I can just hear Satan yell his big "uh-oh!". It is the same fear that makes demons tremble (James 2:19).

2. There was also the fear that fell on the women when they realized that their Lord's body was gone. I am sure there first thoughts were that someone had stolen the body away. In their hearts, the last connection they had with their precious Lord was gone.

B. The other meaning of "phobeo" is "to be in awe of". As the words of the angel sank into the hearts of those who would believe that morning this is the fear that took over. We need to still be in awe of the events of Easter. We need to stand amazed in the presence of Jesus!

II. GREAT JOY (v. 8)

"And they departed quickly with fear and great joy". This joy the women had was a "calm delight, a cheerfulness" that permeated their heart and soul and radiated from their faces. We would do well to learn from these women. We should stand before the empty tomb with great awe and calm delight in what God has done! It just might be contagious.

III. WITNESS (v. 8)

Matthew tells us the women departed quickly to bring word to His disciples. They literally ran to spread the good news that Jesus was no longer dead.

Folks, that's good news! Were it not for the resurrection of Christ we, of all men, would be most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19). But, because He is risen we've a story to tell. It is a story that sets Christianity apart from all other religions. Jesus is alive! He's alive! That ought to fill our hearts so much with awe and joy that we can't help but tell others the good news of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:20). Why is the church so silent?

People are searching for answers. My family and I had the privilege of taking a "mini-vacation" to New Orleans last Monday. I wanted to show them Jackson Square and the sidewalk artists that hang their wares on the fence around the square and paint beautiful picture before your eyes. I was appalled to see that the artists had been replaced by Tarot card readers and palmists. I was saddened to see folks lay down their money to have a merchant of darkness bring meaning to their existence.

What people need is Jesus!

IV. WORSHIP (v. 9)

I want you to see this tender picture of the disciples falling at Jesus'feet, holding Him by the feet and worshipping Him. Can you see it? Now, can you see yourself doing the same thing? We need to have that picture of worship in our mind and heart. Worship is not about coming to get something from God. It is about giving Him our humble devotion. We have the opportunity not just on Sunday but every day. He wants us just to bow in His presence and worship Him.

Read Revelation 5:11-14---there is no time like the present to start doing what John saw in his vision of heaven.

V. DENIAL, DECEPTION AND DOUBT (vv. 11-17)

In contrast to the response of most of the disciples we see the 3d's of denial, deception and doubt. In spite of the incontrovertible evidence of the resurrection of Christ there are still folks today to practice the 3d's. To believe that Jesus is alive is to admit that we have to deal with a risen Lord. There are many who would rather deny the facts so they can live their life as if Jesus never existed. To further their cause they deceive others with the lie.

Then there are others who see the evidence and still doubt. They are like Thomas who said, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nail and put my finger in the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side I will not believe" (John 20:25).

It becomes a matter of faith doesn't it. Jesus said to Thomas after He showed Him the nail prints and he believed, "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (John 20:29).

I would ask you today, "What is your response to the resurrection of Jesus?" Is it awe and joy? Do you want to run and tell others the He is alive and wants to be their savior? Do you want to spend time at Jesus' feet worshipping Him?

Or, are you like the chief priests and elders who denied the facts and deceived other? Perhaps you are more like Thomas who wanted tangible proof before he would believe. Take heed to the words of Hebrews 11:6--- But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.