Resurrection Leads to Life

April 20, 2025

Matthew 27:57-28:20

Key Verse 28:6 “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”

 

What are the 4 most important words in the Bible, except God and Jesus? Love, Forgiveness, Cross and Resurrection may be the top 4 in my opinion. Among these words, resurrection might be the most unfamiliar concept for us. Because it doesn’t deal much in the sermons. In 52 Sundays of the year, we only think of resurrection on this Resurrection Sunday. However, it deserves to be mentioned more than once a year. Why don’t we mention the resurrection much? Because no one has ever experienced it yet. To accept resurrection needs a great leap of faith. Even some disciples could not believe Jesus’ resurrection in front of the risen Jesus. Without believing in Jesus’ resurrection, there is no power, no glory, and no hope but just guilty condemnation from Satan. It is like a person who had his cancerous tumor removed, but not healed. He is still in a hospital bed. If a person believes in Jesus’ death for his sins, it is like removing his cancerous tumor, but he needs to believe in Jesus’ resurrection to be healed from that surgery. I heard Jesus’ resurrection message many times, but it was just word. It did not give me any special meaning. So every time I heard the messages of Jesus’ cross, it made me so guilty and ashamed. Why did Jesus have to die for me which I don’t deserve, this unworthy sinner? I even know that it was Jesus’ love for me but my guilty conscience grew deeper. I remained powerless and hopeless. Now Jesus’ resurrection healed my wounds and gave me a new life. Today, we will go through together the darkest moment and the most glorious moment in history at the same time. May God help us to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection and live with resurrection hope in this world.

 

I. Complete darkness by Burial, Despair and Unbelief (27:25-66, 28:11-15)

 

Let’s look at verse 57. “As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.” Here comes suddenly Joseph of Arimathea who played a key role in Jesus’ burial. He gave his own tomb to Jesus. It fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9, which says, “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.” Joseph was introduced as a rich and prominent member of the Council and waiting for the kingdom of God. Like Nicodemus, he could not reveal his faith in public because of fear of people. However, after Jesus’ death, he risked his position and even his life, he bravely asked for the body of Jesus from Pilate for burial. We don’t know whether Joseph believed in Jesus’ resurrection or not, his faith achieved the important evidence of resurrection later. Like the woman who poured down the expensive perfume on Jesus, God cherishes our simple act of love for the Son of God. Joseph followed Jewish burial customs with Nicodemus. Without him, Jesus’ body could have been thrown into the valley of Golgotha like others and burned. The name, Joseph of Arimathea, is written on all four gospels, which means that he was an important person for the early church ministry as the witness of the risen Jesus later.

 

How about the women? When the big stone was rolled and closed the entrance of the tomb, it seemed that very last hope of any miracles were also closed for the women who had waited and waited until this moment from the last night the Roman soldiers came and arrest Jesus. They waited for Jesus’ miracle in every second: While they were outside of the Pilate’s court; The moment when the crowds shouted, 'Crucify Him'. When the sound of the whip slashed Jesus' body. The nails were hammered on Him and blood was oozing out vividly from Jesus. After His last shout, his body was taken down from the cross and put in a tomb. Finally, He disappeared behind the darkness slowly while the big stone was rolled and closed gradually. 

 

They intensely waited each moment hoping to see and wondering when Jesus would perform the miracle. They may have talked to themselves, “Maybe this time” with teary eyes. Again and again, they could not let go of the hope of “my Jesus” until the stone completely covered the tomb. But there was no miracle to the end. Their messiah was suddenly gone. Flashed back to the memories with Jesus: His every word was true. Everybody who met Jesus had hope and was healed. He proclaimed the kingdom of God. He was young and healthy and powerful enough to overthrow the Roman Empire and could bring the messianic Kingdom like David. With Him, all things were possible. But suddenly, just one night, all things changed. The women could not believe what had happened in front of their eyes. They wanted to deny this happening completely. They could not do anything but froze with shock while Joseph of Arimathea buried Him. Barely they were turning back with shaking legs to their houses for the Sabbath. They wanted to think that it was just a nightmare. Without Jesus, no hope, no future, and no joy but despair and sadness covered their hearts when they saw the disciples who were hiding together in fear. This is a total blackout of hope. 

 

Ironically, no one remembered the promise of Jesus’ resurrection except the religious leaders who put Jesus to death on the Cross. They want to make sure that the rumor may not spread by keeping the body of Jesus secure. They got permission from Pilate and set up guards and sealed on the stone even on the Sabbath. They may think that they did the best job to get rid of the leader who blasphemed God. Their source of unbelief is hypocrisy which came from arrogance and pride. However, God also used their wicked plan as the critical evidence of resurrection later.

 

II. Resurrection of the King (28:1-9)

 

On the Resurrection Sunday early morning, the women went to the tomb to apply perfumes and spices on Jesus’ body. Even though they kept the Sabbath, their hearts were still broken by the Jesus’ death on the cross which deeply wounded these women’s hearts. 2 days ago, they couldn’t do anything because of Jesus’ sudden death. But now, they wanted to do something even after His death. They still loved Jesus with the broken hearts. What happened at that moment? Look at verse 2. “There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.” Unexpectedly, the amazing miracle happened in front of them. Once again, they could not do anything but be shocked. The angel told them everything. Let’s read together verses 5-7, “The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; 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 is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.’”

The angel knew the reason why they came and how they felt and gave them the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with the proof of an empty tomb and directed them what to do next. The women were shocked and surprised by the earthquake and the angel and most of all, the news of the resurrection of Jesus! Which they waited and waited. Their broken heart were beating again with joy. Their mourning turned into dancing and shouting for joy. Yes! He is risen indeed! This is the Good news. This is the Gospel. Jesus, the Son of God took up the Cross for my sins and by His resurrection confirmed all that He said. Let’s see verse 8. “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” Definitely, these women would share the Good news with the disciples as soon as possible without being asked. This is the Good news of great joy which cannot be withheld or hidden. Moreover, the angel asked them to do what they wanted to do eagerly. How much more happier to share this Good news! 

 

Behold. The greatest joy has not yet come. Look at verse 9. “Suddenly Jesus met them "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.” Finally, they met the risen Jesus. Not defeated, but gloriously resurrected Jesus. The risen Jesus came to them in person and greeted them whose tears were overflowing with joy. Their love for Jesus to come to the tomb was rewarded greatly. The risen Jesus came to them and erased and healed all the sorrows and pains they suffered. The victorious Jesus let them feel and touch him. These women became the first witnesses of the risen Jesus. This same risen Jesus, 2000 years after, heals all our sorrows and pains and give us the new hope and the new life. 1 Peter 1:3b-4 says, “… In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.” So whoever believes in Jesus’s resurrection can taste the glorious resurrection victory like Jesus. Amen.

 

While the women's hearts were filled with immeasurable joy to see the risen Jesus, some people hardened their wicked hearts from the news of Jesus' resurrection. The guards who witnessed all these things reported to the chief priests and the elders. It is so obvious that they were wrong to kill the innocent man. However, these religious leaders kicked away the chance to repent of their sins even after seeing the proof of Jesus' resurrection. They made fake news and spread that the disciples stole the body of Jesus. This shows that they had no fear of God but they were most concerned with losing what they had, their position and reputation from people.

 

III. The mission after resurrection (28:10, 16-20)

 

Let’s see verse 10. “Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”" As I mentioned earlier, the women were ready to tell the joyful Good news, Jesus' resurrection, to the disciples without being asked. Adding to that, the angel and even the risen Jesus ask them the same things that they want to do. How amazing it is that what they want to do is the same as what God want them to do! The heart’s desire and mission are the same. 

 

When we accept the resurrection of Jesus, this will be the most powerful purpose-driven life. From verses 18-20, to the disciples who are willing to take up the cross for the glory of God, Jesus gave them one step further instruction, not only go and share the gospel but also, make disciples, baptize and teach them to obey. Sharing the Good news to others may be difficult, especially an introvert and a shy person like me. However, to make disciples and teach them to obey is more difficult. Let’s read together verses 19-20a. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This is Jesus’ command to us while living in the current phase of the kingdom between Jesus’ resurrection and His second coming. Our mission is to make disciples, to bring people to Christ, to make them obedient to Christ. It is like giving new birth and raising them. There should be many sounds of new birth in the church. When there is no sound of newborn babies, the church is dying, and there is no hope for the church. Childbirth and raising children are difficult and messy. Likewise, there will be a lot of troubles in giving new birth and raising new disciples. The church is a place for many growing pains. Paul said in Galatians 4:19, “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.” It is not easy to make disciples of all nations. We may lose money and time and experience heartache for serving students and ministry. However, we can do it by the hope for the kingdom together with the love from Jesus. Jesus also promised: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (20b). 

 

Can you feel and imagine the joy of the resurrection? You will meet your loved one who was separated even by death. I have this hope to meet my mother one day in heaven. I lost her when I was 12, but now I know that I will meet her in heaven with this resurrection hope. This hope and this joy are additional good news to me. Not only to see the glorious risen Jesus and my mother who is healthy and strong but also all the people in the Bible like Abraham, David, Paul and Jacob too. I will meet them one day in heaven. First and foremost, this resurrection gives me the hope of true home with the Father in heaven. Literally, perfect peace, joy and happiness are waiting for me. This year, I will be 50 years old. More and more, my body gives the signals of wear and tear here and there. My time in this world is shorter and shorter but this resurrection hope grows stronger each time for the day. And all the more, the purpose to live for mission by sharing this Good news to the people from myself become clearer and surer, as time goes by.

 

Today, this glorious resurrection Sunday, may this Good news be the true Good news to all in this place.

 

Big Idea: Resurrection faith leads to the new life with Jesus.

Annoying bird during the message preparation times