WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.359 Now, if you have your Bible on paper or on a device, perhaps you can look it up as we 00:00:09.359 --> 00:00:18.120 think together about Matthew chapter 28 and the life-transforming truth of the resurrection. 00:00:19.260 --> 00:00:28.260 I wonder when was the last time you discovered a truth that changed your life? This week I was 00:00:28.260 --> 00:00:36.340 thinking about that moment of becoming a parent, and some of us remember this well. You know, 00:00:36.340 --> 00:00:41.760 it's one thing to discover you're pregnant, and that's massive, but as soon as the baby or babies 00:00:41.760 --> 00:00:48.600 are born, instantly everything changes. You have a new identity and you have a new task, 00:00:49.180 --> 00:00:57.560 a new truth that changes life forever. In some ways, the reality of pandemic has been 00:00:57.560 --> 00:01:03.960 one of those life-changing truths. Think about it, for example, from the scientific community, 00:01:03.960 --> 00:01:11.960 so many involved working night and day on that vaccine program because the truth of that dreadful 00:01:11.960 --> 00:01:19.300 virus has led them to all those incredible efforts to develop that vaccine, and we're so thankful 00:01:19.300 --> 00:01:25.379 for that because that's in part why we're able to meet again today. And now that the truth, 00:01:25.379 --> 00:01:31.459 the reality of those vaccines are beginning to change society little by little, and we continue to pray 00:01:31.459 --> 00:01:40.140 for mercy as that goes on. Well, when we come to Easter, we are coming to the greatest of all truths. 00:01:41.079 --> 00:01:49.459 The Bible calls it gospel, good news, and for good reason. That word gospel was used, for example, 00:01:49.459 --> 00:01:57.659 if the Roman emperor had won some great victory or if he had had a new son born to him. This is news that 00:01:57.659 --> 00:02:03.979 changes the empire. This is news that shapes history. Well, the truth at the center of Christianity 00:02:03.979 --> 00:02:11.060 is that Jesus, the Son of God, has become one of us and has died in our place for our sins, and now 00:02:11.060 --> 00:02:18.620 he has risen in glory. And so, what we're going to do today is we're going to explore together that one 00:02:18.620 --> 00:02:26.039 great truth, the truth of the resurrection. We're going to consider briefly why some choose instead 00:02:26.039 --> 00:02:35.340 the great lie that we see in our middle section before recognizing the one great task given to God's 00:02:35.340 --> 00:02:44.680 church because we have a risen Lord Jesus. So, let's look together at this wonderful section of God's Word. 00:02:44.680 --> 00:02:52.980 So, in the first ten verses, we can think about one great truth. And to focus our minds, read with me 00:02:52.980 --> 00:03:03.980 in verse six again, where the angel declares, he, that is Jesus, is not here. He has risen just as he said. 00:03:04.580 --> 00:03:12.420 So, the resurrection was promised by Jesus, was actually still, even though he had told them 00:03:12.419 --> 00:03:21.359 repeatedly unexpected among his people, but now it has been announced that it has happened. 00:03:23.339 --> 00:03:28.919 Before we get to the actual resurrection appearance, we can see some signs that anticipate 00:03:28.919 --> 00:03:36.500 showing God is at work. Have a look with me at verses two to four. I think we can see three signs 00:03:36.500 --> 00:03:43.300 that God is at work. Perhaps, boys and girls, you can see them with me. First of all, there is 00:03:43.300 --> 00:03:52.159 a violent earthquake, a reminder that the powerful Creator God is present and has been working 00:03:52.159 --> 00:04:01.360 in resurrection power, raising his Son. And then there is the messenger from God. There is the angel of 00:04:01.360 --> 00:04:10.080 the Lord. And as is typical, that angel, when he is present, provokes fear among the guards. 00:04:11.200 --> 00:04:22.040 And then the third evidence of the work of God is that the stone has been rolled away. Of course, 00:04:22.139 --> 00:04:29.340 not rolled away to let Jesus out. He has already risen. Rolled away to let the women 00:04:29.339 --> 00:04:39.359 into that great truth of the resurrection. So, there are those signs that happen. And next comes the 00:04:39.359 --> 00:04:48.679 message declared by the angel to these women. Verses five to seven. What do you notice? First, there is 00:04:48.679 --> 00:04:59.000 the words, do not be afraid. That was a natural reaction, wasn't it, to angels in the Bible, in the Old 00:04:59.000 --> 00:05:04.279 Testament. In the New Testament, when people meet angels, there's fear. But also, I think this reflects 00:05:04.279 --> 00:05:12.019 the feelings of these women and the first disciples. They've seen their king die. They feel hopeless and 00:05:12.019 --> 00:05:24.120 despair and a sense of fear. The angel goes on to say, you are in the wrong place, because they're looking 00:05:24.120 --> 00:05:33.139 for a dead Jesus in the place of the dead. And they're told he's not here. He has risen. The tomb 00:05:33.139 --> 00:05:41.379 is not where he belongs. Death had no claim on Jesus. Jesus has won victory over death. He has been 00:05:41.379 --> 00:05:49.899 raised, the angels declare, by the power of God. This wonderful miracle at the center of our faith. 00:05:49.899 --> 00:05:58.259 And they're told also that he has risen just as he said. Jesus has kept his word. We know and we read 00:05:58.259 --> 00:06:04.819 the Gospels that each of them has a number of times where Jesus prophesies, where Jesus predicts 00:06:04.819 --> 00:06:12.620 his suffering, his death, his resurrection. But we appreciate the honesty of the Gospel writers as they 00:06:12.620 --> 00:06:19.479 show us that the women and the disciples, they're unable to believe it until after the events. This is not 00:06:19.480 --> 00:06:27.379 something anyone is necessarily expecting, even though Jesus has told them to expect it. 00:06:28.439 --> 00:06:35.960 And they notice a really significant part of the angel's message to the women. They are to share 00:06:35.960 --> 00:06:44.620 the good news. What they told in verse 7, go quickly and tell his disciples. This history transforming 00:06:44.620 --> 00:06:50.600 news is too good for them to keep to themselves. The disciples have to be told too that Jesus has 00:06:50.600 --> 00:06:57.860 kept his promise that that relationship they have with the Lord Jesus has been restored as Jesus is 00:06:57.860 --> 00:07:07.740 restored to life in his resurrection body. And then moving from that announcement and from the signs, 00:07:07.740 --> 00:07:15.019 we get the wonderful final decisive confirmation, the proof of what's been announced as they meet with 00:07:15.019 --> 00:07:23.560 Jesus. Verse 8, we see again their mix of emotions. The women hurry from the tomb, afraid yet filled with 00:07:23.560 --> 00:07:28.620 joy on their way to be obedient to tell the disciples. And then what happens in verse 9? 00:07:28.620 --> 00:07:41.699 Suddenly, Jesus met them. Can you imagine? Can we put ourselves in their shoes and imagine that sense of joy and 00:07:41.699 --> 00:07:48.360 wonder to have their friend, their king, their savior, the one they loved, the one they hoped in back from the dead? 00:07:49.939 --> 00:07:58.000 And Jesus repeats the message of the angels, do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. 00:07:58.000 --> 00:08:05.860 There they will see me. And you notice the obvious comfort that Jesus wants to bring to the disciples. 00:08:06.439 --> 00:08:12.920 He calls them his brothers. They have abandoned Jesus in his hour of need. Peter has even denied 00:08:12.920 --> 00:08:22.220 knowing Jesus. And yet Jesus is not ashamed, as Hebrews says, to call them brothers. Talk about a dream come true. 00:08:22.220 --> 00:08:30.420 Now we talk about, don't we, those moments, you know, where were you when? You know, those significant moments in history. 00:08:31.320 --> 00:08:37.000 Some of us, we could answer the question, where were you when people first landed on the moon? 00:08:38.080 --> 00:08:44.580 Many of us will remember where we were when we heard the news of the Twin Towers falling. 00:08:44.580 --> 00:08:53.340 Well, imagine these women, where were you when the events of Easter were declared? We were right there. 00:08:54.500 --> 00:08:59.860 Here are these first eyewitnesses who saw the empty tomb, who heard the words of the angels, 00:09:00.060 --> 00:09:09.140 and who met and worshipped the risen Lord Jesus. They would never forget this. And as they told these 00:09:09.139 --> 00:09:14.759 words to those writing the gospels, they would have been as fresh as the day it happened. 00:09:16.199 --> 00:09:23.679 Now let's focus for a few minutes on the significance of these events for us as the church, 00:09:24.259 --> 00:09:30.279 for us as Christians, if you're a Christian here today. Three things to recognize. 00:09:30.279 --> 00:09:41.159 First of all, in Jesus' words, in verse 9, or His word, suddenly Jesus met them. Greetings, He said. 00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:49.600 Let's think about fellowship for a moment. In this simple yet profound greeting, 00:09:49.600 --> 00:10:02.740 we understand that because Jesus has risen from the dead, we enjoy welcome and fellowship from and with 00:10:02.740 --> 00:10:12.659 the living Lord Jesus. The events of Easter say to us powerfully, here is the one love, 00:10:12.659 --> 00:10:23.759 here is the one friendship you can never lose. Here is a love beyond and through even death. 00:10:24.879 --> 00:10:33.980 And there's such wonderful hope and promise in that fellowship. Think too about the response of the 00:10:33.980 --> 00:10:40.699 women and the significance of our worship in light of the resurrection. What do the women do? 00:10:40.700 --> 00:10:49.920 They came to Jesus, clasped His feet and worshipped Him. They bow to the ground and clasp His feet to say, 00:10:50.080 --> 00:11:03.720 Jesus, You are our King. And they worship Him as Lord, as God, as Saviour. For us as the church, 00:11:03.720 --> 00:11:10.680 the cross and the resurrection represent for us the King who comes to save us. 00:11:10.700 --> 00:11:19.580 by dying in our place for us by dying in our place for our sins. The Lord who becomes one of us to rescue 00:11:19.580 --> 00:11:33.400 and represent and redeem us. And in that light, worship and loyalty and honor to this Jesus then are the only 00:11:33.399 --> 00:11:41.279 proper responses to the Lord who comes to the Lord who comes to the Lord who comes to the Lord who comes to the Lord. 00:11:41.279 --> 00:11:51.079 And then think about our mission in light of what they are told by Jesus. Go and tell. 00:11:51.080 --> 00:12:03.900 this is actually the Last Master of verification, which is our Today Search Vestery Enter. 00:12:03.960 --> 00:12:05.460 So,inder�is...either Am 어�isa of this journal, as the risen Territish or fasting oats, as King of the месяuer Hex. 00:12:05.460 --> 00:12:08.560 W verrallis...we have the one great truth that the world needs. 00:12:08.559 --> 00:12:16.439 And so from this one great truth comes our one great task, as we'll think about in a few moments. 00:12:17.959 --> 00:12:22.179 But what about if you're here today and you're not a Christian, or if you're tuning in and you're not a Christian, 00:12:22.239 --> 00:12:27.239 what does this truth, what does Easter say to you in that case? 00:12:28.319 --> 00:12:32.079 Well, hear the events of Easter as an invitation. 00:12:32.080 --> 00:12:42.060 Here is Jesus, the Savior of the world, promising unbreakable friendship with God. 00:12:43.520 --> 00:12:46.740 Think about that, the loneliness we're experiencing right now. 00:12:46.900 --> 00:12:49.440 Here is one friendship we will never lose. 00:12:50.540 --> 00:12:55.860 Here, too, is a proper center for your worship. 00:12:57.220 --> 00:13:01.759 We all make something of central importance in our lives. 00:13:02.580 --> 00:13:07.320 Something we look to to give us hope and a foundation and our security. 00:13:08.060 --> 00:13:10.900 The Bible calls that idolatry, our idols. 00:13:10.900 --> 00:13:16.379 Well, here we are reminded that Jesus is the proper center for our life and for our worship. 00:13:18.520 --> 00:13:22.580 And here, too, in Jesus, there is an offer of forgiveness. 00:13:24.020 --> 00:13:28.879 Beyond our sin, beyond our failure, beyond our rejection. 00:13:28.879 --> 00:13:33.120 It's true for the disciples who abandoned Jesus. 00:13:33.860 --> 00:13:42.320 It's true for us, if we will put our trust in Jesus, that we can know forgiveness and peace with God through him. 00:13:42.320 --> 00:13:49.160 So, let me invite you to take that invitation and to trust in Jesus. 00:13:50.300 --> 00:13:54.240 So, that's one great truth that the women discovered. 00:13:54.520 --> 00:14:00.920 But we see also, in verse 11 to 15, one great lie. 00:14:00.919 --> 00:14:16.759 Perhaps you remember from a number of years ago, Al Gore, one time Vice President of the United States, was heading up a documentary called An Inconvenient Truth. 00:14:17.699 --> 00:14:22.039 If you haven't seen it, it was a warning on global warming. 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:25.759 And why is it called an inconvenient truth? 00:14:26.860 --> 00:14:38.559 Well, in part because, especially for us in Western developed nations, in a globalized world, to deal with the problems of the planet will interfere with lifestyles. 00:14:39.019 --> 00:14:43.399 It will have to bring cost for governments and for families. 00:14:43.399 --> 00:14:49.860 So, there's a level of inconvenience connected to the truth and the danger. 00:14:50.939 --> 00:14:55.240 Consider the religious leaders of verses 11 to 15. 00:14:55.319 --> 00:14:59.980 What's going on here as they cook up their story? 00:15:01.179 --> 00:15:07.259 The resurrection is their inconvenient truth that they do not want to face up to, 00:15:07.259 --> 00:15:14.340 that they do not want to consider because they do not want Jesus as their Messiah. 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:23.819 So, they turn to bribery and they turn to lies rather than responding to the evidence of the resurrection. 00:15:24.580 --> 00:15:27.519 They know from the soldiers there has been an earthquake. 00:15:27.720 --> 00:15:31.100 They know from the soldiers that an angel has appeared to them. 00:15:31.200 --> 00:15:34.720 They know from the soldiers that the tomb is empty. 00:15:34.720 --> 00:15:40.320 Jesus is not there, but they are blinded by prejudice and hate. 00:15:41.259 --> 00:15:43.040 And so, we read in verse 12, 00:15:43.139 --> 00:15:46.620 they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, 00:15:46.740 --> 00:15:53.540 you are to say, his disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep. 00:15:54.259 --> 00:15:58.180 Confronted with the truth, they choose the lie. 00:15:58.179 --> 00:16:07.239 Their eyes, their minds, their hearts closed to the reality of Jesus as risen Lord and Savior. 00:16:09.559 --> 00:16:15.519 And I think a question that then follows for each one of us is, 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:21.620 what is it that stops us from following the evidence? 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:27.200 What is it that stops you from responding to the risen Lord Jesus, 00:16:27.320 --> 00:16:29.820 especially perhaps if you're not a Christian? 00:16:30.759 --> 00:16:35.200 What are those barriers that stop you from considering? 00:16:36.299 --> 00:16:39.860 Because look at the evidence that Matthew presents for us. 00:16:39.899 --> 00:16:45.700 Six blocks of evidence that we can see here that point to the truth 00:16:45.700 --> 00:16:49.019 and towards the significance of the resurrection. 00:16:50.120 --> 00:16:51.360 Let's look at these very briefly. 00:16:51.360 --> 00:16:54.000 First of all, first eyewitnesses are women. 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:57.240 And we know in Jesus' day, women had very low status. 00:16:57.360 --> 00:16:59.960 Their testimony not recognized in court. 00:17:00.039 --> 00:17:02.539 So, this isn't something that has been created, 00:17:03.320 --> 00:17:04.759 not a story made up, 00:17:05.180 --> 00:17:10.240 because it would not be well received unless it were true. 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:14.120 Think about the evidence of the empty tomb. 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:18.079 Here you have the power of the religious leaders, 00:17:18.079 --> 00:17:20.019 the power of the Roman Empire, 00:17:20.019 --> 00:17:25.839 but neither of them are able to present a dead body, 00:17:26.019 --> 00:17:28.980 to dispel the news that Jesus has risen. 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:34.759 There is no better explanation provided than Jesus has actually risen from the tomb, 00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:36.359 and that's why it is empty. 00:17:36.359 --> 00:17:40.819 We have the evidence of the resurrection appearances. 00:17:40.819 --> 00:17:43.000 Matthew records two for us, 00:17:43.000 --> 00:17:45.740 but there are many more recorded in the Gospels. 00:17:47.259 --> 00:17:56.059 Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 records numerous eyewitness accounts of people having met with the risen Lord Jesus. 00:17:56.059 --> 00:17:59.059 And these are not myths. 00:17:59.059 --> 00:18:04.319 This is eyewitness history written down just a few short years after the events. 00:18:05.019 --> 00:18:07.759 People are named so questions could be asked. 00:18:08.740 --> 00:18:13.379 The Gospel writers were confident in their history and their reliability. 00:18:13.380 --> 00:18:20.040 We can think about the transformed lives that we see in the first followers of Jesus. 00:18:20.040 --> 00:18:22.560 We've already kind of alluded in that direction. 00:18:22.559 --> 00:18:35.599 The hopeless, fearful women and disciples become courageous and joyful and willing to do anything and to risk everything for Jesus when they know He is risen as He promised. 00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:40.379 We have the evidence of fulfilled prophecy. 00:18:41.059 --> 00:18:44.220 Remember the angels said Jesus has risen just as He said. 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:51.140 We hear Jesus in His ministry repeatedly declare that He will suffer, die, and rise. 00:18:53.559 --> 00:18:56.160 And then there is the reality of world mission. 00:18:57.279 --> 00:19:04.019 Again, these first disciples are told to go and take this message to the nations. 00:19:04.140 --> 00:19:13.940 How do we account for the existence and the spread of the global church apart from the truth that Jesus has been raised from the dead? 00:19:14.220 --> 00:19:16.940 How do we account for the world? 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:18.680 Back to our question. 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:23.259 Today, is this your inconvenient truth? 00:19:24.420 --> 00:19:31.120 Are we trying to evade the reality that Jesus is Lord, that Jesus is Savior? 00:19:31.980 --> 00:19:35.620 Perhaps, like these religious leaders, we want life on our terms. 00:19:36.480 --> 00:19:40.740 We don't want to deal with Jesus as He claims to be. 00:19:40.740 --> 00:19:46.079 Well, the reality that we find on this first Easter Sunday is that Jesus is risen, 00:19:46.579 --> 00:19:50.980 and this is a truth both too big to ignore and too good to miss. 00:19:53.500 --> 00:20:01.940 Paul, shortly after this, will announce in Acts chapter 17 in Athens 00:20:01.940 --> 00:20:04.200 that the Bible says that Jesus is risen, 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:13.620 that the Jesus who is risen will be the same Jesus who will judge each and every person who has ever lived. 00:20:14.660 --> 00:20:25.160 And the Bible reminds us then that the risen Lord Jesus means there is an urgent and an eternal need to respond to this Jesus, 00:20:25.160 --> 00:20:29.500 to consider the evidence that we find in the Bible, 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:35.200 to consider the person and the work and the life and the love of Jesus. 00:20:35.200 --> 00:20:40.299 Again, if you're here or if you're at home and you're not a Christian, 00:20:40.380 --> 00:20:43.799 let me encourage you to talk to a Christian friend or a family member, 00:20:44.160 --> 00:20:47.960 to read one of the Gospels, the Gospel of Matthew or Mark. 00:20:49.420 --> 00:20:55.180 It's a reminder that we need to humble ourselves to see how much we need Jesus, 00:20:55.620 --> 00:21:01.720 to recognize the reality of sin and our inability to please God. 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:07.680 We need to recognize His Lordship, to submit to His loving rule, 00:21:07.740 --> 00:21:09.579 not just to some parts of life, 00:21:10.380 --> 00:21:15.279 but all of life, to the glory of the risen Lord Jesus. 00:21:16.100 --> 00:21:17.880 And for those of us who are Christians, 00:21:18.339 --> 00:21:19.680 and this is part of our mission, 00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:22.680 we are to pray for those who we love, 00:21:22.779 --> 00:21:23.620 those who we care for, 00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:26.600 that those barriers of resistance would be broken down, 00:21:27.360 --> 00:21:29.980 that we would see men and women and boys and girls come 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:33.579 to know and discover this life-changing truth. 00:21:34.559 --> 00:21:38.839 And that takes us towards the one great task 00:21:38.839 --> 00:21:42.799 that we have here in verses 16 and 20. 00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:46.200 Now, back when I was working in Glasgow, 00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:51.019 one of the jobs I had was to be an honorary chaplain at Glasgow University, 00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:53.740 which meant every summer and winter, 00:21:53.940 --> 00:21:57.039 I got to take part in the graduation ceremony. 00:21:57.039 --> 00:21:59.299 I never went to my own graduation. 00:21:59.420 --> 00:22:01.039 I got to go to lots of other people's, 00:22:01.079 --> 00:22:04.440 get dressed up, repeat a prayer in Latin, 00:22:04.819 --> 00:22:07.019 and be right at the front of the procession, 00:22:07.079 --> 00:22:09.220 which is a very surreal moment. 00:22:09.700 --> 00:22:12.899 Well, my favorite part of that whole graduation process 00:22:12.899 --> 00:22:18.559 was just before the whole ceremony began, 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:22.240 three janitors would arrive, 00:22:22.899 --> 00:22:27.659 and one of them would be chosen to be the head of the procession. 00:22:28.220 --> 00:22:30.000 And so they would put a robe on him, 00:22:30.299 --> 00:22:33.879 and he'd carry this big, important sort of gold stick. 00:22:34.339 --> 00:22:36.159 And now he wasn't just a janitor, 00:22:36.259 --> 00:22:38.720 now he's representing the university, 00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:40.259 he's representing the principal. 00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:43.440 When he walked into the graduation room 00:22:43.440 --> 00:22:44.900 and announced all rise, 00:22:45.080 --> 00:22:46.960 everybody recognized his authority. 00:22:47.440 --> 00:22:50.759 In that moment, transformed. 00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:54.900 One great task, represent the principal. 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:57.220 And people responded. 00:22:58.720 --> 00:23:03.960 I want us to think of verses 16 to 20 in those terms. 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:09.480 Here we find the disciples meeting the risen Lord Jesus, 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:15.599 and they are given a new task to represent Jesus, 00:23:15.779 --> 00:23:19.539 their Lord and Savior, to be his ambassadors, 00:23:20.059 --> 00:23:23.039 to speak for him and to represent his rule. 00:23:23.400 --> 00:23:27.519 And that's been the calling and the task of the church ever since. 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:32.579 This is the Great Commission as it's often known. 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:36.980 I think it's important for us that we stop and reflect on 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:39.860 who is it that's giving this commission. 00:23:41.380 --> 00:23:45.420 Well, first of all, we're reminded in verse 17 00:23:45.420 --> 00:23:48.740 that he is the physically resurrected Lord Jesus. 00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:51.720 Verse 17, when they saw him, 00:23:53.440 --> 00:23:55.940 and we discover too that he's worthy of worship. 00:23:57.220 --> 00:24:01.160 They worshiped him, but some doubted. 00:24:02.599 --> 00:24:05.839 Here's a reminder that though Jesus had predicted it, 00:24:05.839 --> 00:24:07.319 people struggled to believe it. 00:24:07.379 --> 00:24:09.240 We were reading at the breakfast table this morning, 00:24:09.659 --> 00:24:13.639 the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, 00:24:13.899 --> 00:24:15.959 that first Easter Sunday afternoon. 00:24:16.099 --> 00:24:18.339 And even as Jesus is talking with them, 00:24:18.939 --> 00:24:20.919 even as he is explaining from the Bible 00:24:20.919 --> 00:24:22.319 that everything that happened, 00:24:22.399 --> 00:24:24.480 happened according to God's plans, 00:24:24.879 --> 00:24:28.099 they were slow of heart to believe. 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:29.659 Some doubted. 00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:31.539 And then verse 18, 00:24:31.539 --> 00:24:33.240 Jesus said to them, 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:37.700 all authority in heaven and on earth 00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:39.740 has been given to me. 00:24:41.019 --> 00:24:43.259 Who's going to commission the disciples? 00:24:44.119 --> 00:24:47.639 The one who has been given all authority in the universe 00:24:47.639 --> 00:24:49.220 by his father in heaven, 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:52.940 because he has done that work that he was sent to do. 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:55.839 So he commissions them three questions. 00:24:56.259 --> 00:24:57.980 What is their commission? 00:24:57.980 --> 00:25:00.099 Question, verse 19, 00:25:00.319 --> 00:25:02.279 therefore, go. 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:06.059 Here is Jesus, the voice of authority, 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:10.299 and he is commanding them to go as his ambassadors. 00:25:10.519 --> 00:25:12.779 He will shortly leave and return to heaven, 00:25:13.120 --> 00:25:14.839 but he promises to be present, 00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:16.000 and he sends the Spirit, 00:25:16.160 --> 00:25:19.559 and they are commissioned to speak in his name, 00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:21.799 to share the gospel, 00:25:21.799 --> 00:25:25.940 and to follow his methods. 00:25:26.960 --> 00:25:30.680 Loving, self-giving, sacrificial service. 00:25:30.799 --> 00:25:33.399 It's the way of the church. 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:34.759 That's their commission. 00:25:34.879 --> 00:25:35.759 What's their command? 00:25:35.899 --> 00:25:41.000 Their command is to go and make disciples of all nations. 00:25:42.279 --> 00:25:45.299 As those who are committed to following the Lord Jesus, 00:25:45.639 --> 00:25:48.000 they are to draw to Jesus. 00:25:48.000 --> 00:25:51.359 Others who will be fully committed to honoring him, 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:53.380 living for him as Lord, 00:25:53.480 --> 00:25:55.460 and not just from a small pocket, 00:25:55.940 --> 00:26:00.140 but from all nations of the world. 00:26:01.640 --> 00:26:02.640 Crucial to this, 00:26:02.740 --> 00:26:05.259 notice there are two particular elements 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:07.099 that Jesus draws attention to. 00:26:08.519 --> 00:26:10.579 Baptizing them in the name of the Father, 00:26:10.660 --> 00:26:11.619 and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 00:26:12.019 --> 00:26:15.539 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.139 Baptizing. 00:26:16.879 --> 00:26:17.279 Baptizing. 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:20.759 Think about how this plays out in the book of Acts. 00:26:21.779 --> 00:26:24.339 So we read a little bit of Peter's sermon, 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:26.319 Pentecost, Acts chapter 2. 00:26:26.700 --> 00:26:28.420 He preaches the gospel, doesn't he? 00:26:28.440 --> 00:26:29.119 He says, you know, 00:26:29.119 --> 00:26:31.759 Jesus is the Son of God. 00:26:32.940 --> 00:26:33.940 You put him to death, 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:38.180 but God had a plan to achieve victory through him, 00:26:38.200 --> 00:26:39.619 and to bring forgiveness of sin through him, 00:26:39.639 --> 00:26:42.259 and to raise him from the dead in victory, 00:26:42.259 --> 00:26:45.480 and then he calls the people to repent and to believe, 00:26:45.579 --> 00:26:47.019 and those who believe the message, 00:26:47.160 --> 00:26:49.480 those who believe that Jesus is Lord, 00:26:49.640 --> 00:26:50.440 are baptized. 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:54.019 It's a sign that they have received saving grace. 00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:57.759 That washing is a sign that they are looking to Jesus 00:26:57.759 --> 00:27:00.779 as their hope for being washed from their sin, 00:27:01.500 --> 00:27:04.339 and it's a sign of them belonging to Jesus as Lord. 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:07.140 So there's baptism and there's teaching. 00:27:07.140 --> 00:27:12.360 Those who have been saved by grace are then called to obey. 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:15.220 And so the disciples and the church, then, 00:27:15.280 --> 00:27:18.420 we have to pass on the teaching of Jesus, 00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:22.420 pass on the way of life of Jesus, 00:27:23.180 --> 00:27:25.900 the way of love that Jesus showed. 00:27:26.700 --> 00:27:29.840 That's the truth that we are called to obey. 00:27:30.340 --> 00:27:32.280 That's the truth that we are called to bring. 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:36.960 And what's the comfort that Jesus offers on this new task 00:27:36.960 --> 00:27:40.680 for the church as ambassadors of the Lord Jesus? 00:27:40.839 --> 00:27:41.519 Verse 20, 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:49.440 Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. 00:27:51.019 --> 00:27:54.519 We are never alone on Jesus' mission. 00:27:55.460 --> 00:27:58.099 He never leaves us to go at ourselves. 00:27:58.099 --> 00:28:00.839 The powerful, loving, risen Lord Jesus 00:28:00.839 --> 00:28:05.319 is with and for his people always. 00:28:06.839 --> 00:28:08.459 So for us as a church, 00:28:08.559 --> 00:28:11.480 we have here both our marching orders 00:28:11.480 --> 00:28:16.240 and our promise and our comfort 00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:18.639 as we seek to be obedient to them. 00:28:20.379 --> 00:28:22.459 Without Jesus, we can do nothing, 00:28:22.579 --> 00:28:25.839 but with Jesus, nothing is impossible. 00:28:25.839 --> 00:28:29.240 Here's this command and promise 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:33.519 from our risen, ruling, redeeming Lord Jesus. 00:28:34.819 --> 00:28:38.779 And think about how we see the effectiveness 00:28:38.779 --> 00:28:41.899 of Jesus' promise and Jesus' command 00:28:41.899 --> 00:28:44.079 when we think about the global church. 00:28:44.359 --> 00:28:46.079 Think about the global church for a moment. 00:28:46.819 --> 00:28:48.339 Think about those friends that we have, 00:28:48.419 --> 00:28:50.079 those mission partners that we have, 00:28:50.339 --> 00:28:52.039 those churches that we are aware of 00:28:52.039 --> 00:28:54.000 crossing every language and culture 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:55.180 and nation of the earth. 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:57.480 Think about millions of people 00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:59.119 worshipping Jesus today. 00:28:59.640 --> 00:29:01.200 Some in vast cathedrals, 00:29:01.720 --> 00:29:03.799 some in prison cells, 00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:06.460 some outside, 00:29:07.299 --> 00:29:09.180 some in their homes, 00:29:09.839 --> 00:29:14.779 only, only because Jesus is alive. 00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:19.019 Because the resurrection is the great truth 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:20.639 that changes everything. 00:29:20.639 --> 00:29:21.639 It changed those women, 00:29:21.740 --> 00:29:22.680 it changed the disciples, 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:24.920 and it still changes men and women 00:29:24.920 --> 00:29:26.200 and boys and girls today. 00:29:27.519 --> 00:29:29.859 We are called, as God's people, 00:29:29.940 --> 00:29:31.460 to be ambassadors for Christ, 00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:33.099 to share this hope, 00:29:33.180 --> 00:29:34.180 to extend his love, 00:29:34.259 --> 00:29:35.099 to serve others, 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:38.000 only because Jesus is alive. 00:29:38.980 --> 00:29:40.480 We are called to proclaim 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:42.480 a gospel of amazing grace, 00:29:42.599 --> 00:29:44.460 of forgiveness of sins, 00:29:44.680 --> 00:29:47.200 of peace with God through Jesus. 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:50.019 And we are called to urge people 00:29:50.019 --> 00:29:54.640 to trust and obey in a risen Lord Jesus. 00:29:55.779 --> 00:29:58.799 And we are called to suffer and to serve 00:29:58.799 --> 00:30:01.900 and to live knowing comfort and hope 00:30:01.900 --> 00:30:06.860 from our risen and ruling Lord Jesus. 00:30:07.620 --> 00:30:10.920 All of this is true because Jesus is alive. 00:30:10.920 --> 00:30:13.820 This is the gospel, 00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:14.860 the good news, 00:30:15.240 --> 00:30:17.060 the life-changing, 00:30:17.519 --> 00:30:19.660 life-transforming truth. 00:30:20.460 --> 00:30:23.019 May that be our truth. 00:30:23.500 --> 00:30:24.759 May that be our hope 00:30:24.759 --> 00:30:26.940 and our joy this Easter. 00:30:27.620 --> 00:30:29.220 Let's pray together. 00:30:30.680 --> 00:30:32.160 Lord, our God, 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:34.480 we are so thankful 00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:36.580 for the good news 00:30:36.580 --> 00:30:38.160 of our risen Lord Jesus. 00:30:38.160 --> 00:30:41.120 and we pray 00:30:41.120 --> 00:30:42.740 that you would help us, 00:30:42.820 --> 00:30:43.680 whoever we are, 00:30:43.759 --> 00:30:45.040 wherever we are today, 00:30:45.620 --> 00:30:47.140 to be thinking about 00:30:47.140 --> 00:30:48.759 the significance, 00:30:49.700 --> 00:30:50.700 the evidence, 00:30:51.680 --> 00:30:52.620 the implications 00:30:52.620 --> 00:30:55.380 of the empty tomb, 00:30:56.060 --> 00:30:57.140 of Jesus 00:30:57.140 --> 00:30:59.660 speaking with 00:30:59.660 --> 00:31:02.500 and issuing commands 00:31:02.500 --> 00:31:04.740 to his followers. 00:31:05.460 --> 00:31:07.539 That we would find comfort 00:31:07.539 --> 00:31:09.519 from that promise 00:31:09.519 --> 00:31:12.680 that he is with his people always. 00:31:14.119 --> 00:31:16.839 We ask that you would make us faithful 00:31:16.839 --> 00:31:17.940 as a church 00:31:17.940 --> 00:31:19.359 in that mission 00:31:19.359 --> 00:31:21.140 that you call us to. 00:31:22.140 --> 00:31:23.839 That we would be praying 00:31:23.839 --> 00:31:25.220 and serving 00:31:25.220 --> 00:31:28.420 so that the good news of Jesus 00:31:28.420 --> 00:31:29.299 would indeed 00:31:29.299 --> 00:31:30.579 keep spreading 00:31:30.579 --> 00:31:31.740 to all the nations 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:32.379 of the earth, 00:31:33.180 --> 00:31:34.319 including ours. 00:31:35.639 --> 00:31:36.440 Lord, we pray 00:31:36.440 --> 00:31:38.440 for any who are perhaps 00:31:38.440 --> 00:31:39.919 fearful and doubting, 00:31:40.559 --> 00:31:41.899 for any who as yet 00:31:41.899 --> 00:31:43.259 are not Christians, 00:31:44.079 --> 00:31:45.099 may you help them 00:31:45.099 --> 00:31:47.059 to recognize 00:31:47.059 --> 00:31:48.519 how good 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:50.039 the good news 00:31:50.039 --> 00:31:51.599 of our risen Savior is. 00:31:52.460 --> 00:31:53.919 And may they trust in him today. 00:31:54.879 --> 00:31:56.079 We pray these things 00:31:56.079 --> 00:31:57.940 so that Jesus would be glorified. 00:31:57.940 --> 00:31:59.080 Amen. 00:32:02.080 --> 00:32:04.500 Now, as we finish, 00:32:04.779 --> 00:32:05.880 we will hear again 00:32:05.880 --> 00:32:06.759 from our friends 00:32:06.759 --> 00:32:07.799 at New Scottish Hymns 00:32:07.799 --> 00:32:09.920 as they lead us in singing. 00:32:10.360 --> 00:32:11.019 We'll listen 00:32:11.019 --> 00:32:12.500 to Thine Be The Glory. 00:32:12.500 --> 00:32:12.620 Amen. 00:32:12.620 --> 00:32:12.700 Amen. 00:32:27.940 --> 00:32:43.080 Thine Be The Glory 00:32:43.080 --> 00:32:47.160 Risen Conquering Son 00:32:47.160 --> 00:32:52.759 Endless is the victory 00:32:52.759 --> 00:32:55.640 Thou, O'er death, 00:32:55.640 --> 00:32:55.660 Thou, O'er death, 00:32:55.940 --> 00:32:57.539 Thou, O'er death, 00:32:57.539 --> 00:32:58.460 Thou, O'er death, 00:32:58.460 --> 00:33:01.700 Angels in bright rain 00:33:01.700 --> 00:33:06.700 Roll the stone away 00:33:06.700 --> 00:33:12.700 Kept the folded grave clothes 00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:16.700 Where Thy body lay 00:33:16.700 --> 00:33:21.640 Thine Be The Glory 00:33:21.640 --> 00:33:22.660 Thine be The Glory 00:33:22.660 --> 00:33:22.779 Thine be The Glory 00:33:22.779 --> 00:33:25.559 Risen Conquering Son 00:33:25.559 --> 00:33:31.319 Endless is the victory 00:33:31.319 --> 00:33:33.620 Thou, O'er death, 00:33:33.620 --> 00:33:33.960 Thou, O'er death, 00:33:33.960 --> 00:33:35.640 hath won 00:33:35.640 --> 00:33:43.840 Though Jesus meets us 00:33:43.840 --> 00:33:47.540 Risen from the tomb 00:33:47.540 --> 00:33:53.380 Lovingly He greets us 00:33:53.380 --> 00:33:57.940 Scatters fear and gloom 00:33:57.940 --> 00:34:02.900 Let the church with gladness 00:34:02.900 --> 00:34:06.440 Hymns of triumph sing 00:34:06.440 --> 00:34:11.900 For her Lord now liveth 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:15.900 Death has lost its stain 00:34:16.639 --> 00:34:20.900 Thine be the glory 00:34:21.680 --> 00:34:24.900 Risen conquering Son 00:34:25.579 --> 00:34:30.900 Endless is the victory 00:34:30.900 --> 00:34:35.559 Thou o'er death has won 00:34:35.559 --> 00:34:48.780 No more we doubt Thee 00:34:48.780 --> 00:34:52.320 Glorious Prince of Life 00:34:52.320 --> 00:34:57.980 Life is not without Thee 00:34:57.980 --> 00:35:02.260 Aid us in our strife 00:35:02.260 --> 00:35:07.860 Make us more than conquerors 00:35:07.860 --> 00:35:11.860 Through Thy deathless love 00:35:11.860 --> 00:35:16.519 Bring us safe through Jordan 00:35:16.519 --> 00:35:21.400 To Thy home above 00:35:21.400 --> 00:35:26.360 Thine be the glory 00:35:26.360 --> 00:35:30.320 Risen conquering Son 00:35:30.320 --> 00:35:36.000 Endless is the victory 00:35:36.000 --> 00:35:40.659 Thou o'er death has won 00:35:40.659 --> 00:35:45.559 Thine be the glory 00:35:45.559 --> 00:35:49.659 Risen conquering Son 00:35:49.659 --> 00:35:55.219 Endless is the victory 00:35:55.219 --> 00:35:59.500 Thou o'er death has won 00:35:59.500 --> 00:36:24.260 You stand with me to receive the benediction 00:36:24.260 --> 00:36:34.560 from the end of number six. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you 00:36:34.560 --> 00:36:42.240 and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace. Amen. 00:36:54.260 --> 00:36:56.260 Amen. 00:37:24.260 --> 00:37:26.260 Amen. 00:37:54.260 --> 00:37:56.260 Amen. 00:38:24.260 --> 00:38:26.260 Amen.