February 17, 2014: He is Not Here!!!

Matthew 28

Amplified Bible (AMP)

28 Now after the Sabbath, near dawn of the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala and the other Mary went to take a look at the tomb.

2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled the boulder back and sat upon it.

3 His appearance was like lightning, and his garments as white as snow.

4 And those keeping guard were so frightened at the sight of him that they were agitated and they trembled and became like dead men.

5 But the angel said to the women, Do not be alarmed and frightened, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, Who was crucified.

6 He is not here; He has risen, as He said [He would do]. Come, see the place where He lay.

7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, He has risen from the dead, and behold, He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.

8 So they left the tomb hastily with fear and great joy and ran to tell the disciples.

9 And as they went, behold, Jesus met them and said, Hail (greetings)! And they went up to Him and clasped His feet and worshiped Him.

10 Then Jesus said to them, Do not be alarmed and afraid; go and tell My brethren to go into Galilee, and there they will see Me.

11 While they were on their way, behold, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had occurred.

12 And when they [the chief priests] had gathered with the elders and had consulted together, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers,

13 And said, Tell people, His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we were sleeping.

14 And if the governor hears of it, we will appease him and make you safe and free from trouble and care.

15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this story has been current among the Jews to the present day.

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed and made appointment with them.

17 And when they saw Him, they fell down and worshiped Him; but some doubted.

18 Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

19 Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).

So after all the torture and horrific death on the cross, my Jesus rose from the grave, victorious!

His first words were, "Don't be afraid!" How many times has He told me these very words? How many times has He told you these words? Don't be afraid! He has to reassure us time and time again not to be afraid. 

He also said, "Make disciples!" This is my heart's desire. To make disciples. Stan Gleason spoke about this two weeks ago at midwinter camp meeting in Milwaukee. If Jesus had only ministered to the crowds, we wouldn't have a Church today. There would be no Christians.

"Jesus please help me on my journey to make disciples. I got started late. I was busy thinking I was being a Christian all those years, but not actually making disciples. Yes, I'm a late bloomer, but I've made up my mind to make every second count from here on out. I love You and I want to give back. For all You've given me. You are my Redeemer. You are my reason for living, Jesus. AMEN."