Here To Serve

Matthew 28. It's early on a Sunday morning. The previous few day's events were still on the women's minds as they headed out to visit the tomb.

 Suddenly there was a great earthquake when an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone from the entrance of the tomb, and sat on it. His face shone as lightening and his clothing was white as snow.

There were rumors in the area that Jesus might only stay in the tomb three days. So guards had been put there to guard the grave. They shook with fear and fell into a dead faint.

 The angel spoke to the women who had come early that morning. Don't be afraid. I know you are looking for your friend, Jesus who was killed. He isn't here. He has risen just as He told you He would. Come inside and look where His body was lying. Then hurry back to town and tell His disciples.

 The women ran quickly away from the tomb. They were frightened and happy at the same time. They couldn't wait to tell folks. As they hurried they met Jesus who greeted them. They ran to Him, grasped His feet, and worshipped Him. Jesus told them not to be afraid, but to hurry to town and tell His brothers to meet Him in Galilee.

 Meanwhile the guards finally got up enough nerve to go to town and tell the leading church leaders what had happened. A meeting with the elders was held. At that meeting they decided to give the guards a large sum of money to keep their mouths shut about what had happened.

The church elders told the guards to say that they had fallen asleep and Jesus disciples had stolen His body. Since the guards were Roman soldiers they were worried that the governor might hear. The church elders assured the guards they would cover for them. 

 The eleven disciples left for Galilee and went to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. When they saw Him they worshipped Him. But some of them doubted.

 Jesus came to His disciples there and explained what had happened. He told them He had been given all authority and was in charge of heaven and earth.

 Luke says He opened their minds to understand all the happenings. The people of those days were waiting for a King that would rule them and destroy their enemies. Jesus shared how He had come to serve. He had to suffer, die, and rise from the dead to cover for the sins of the human race.

Then He told His disciples what their purpose was. He told then to go out, starting at home, then community, then country, and finally around the world, and share the good news that there now was a way to have sins forgiven for those who repented. 

 And finally, after He had given the Great Commission to go out and serve, He promised that He was sending help, the Holy Spirit. He promised they would never be alone.

The Easter story doesn't end with the resurrection. It ends with a promise that our wrongs are forgiven if we ask.

 It ends with a promise that we will never be alone and without help. On good days we need to remember to say thank you for that help. On bad ones we need to remember that promise and lean on Jesus.

 And finally it ends with a purpose. This truth is not just for ourselves. That would be self centered. We have been told to serve others just as Jesus served us. We don't have to be preachers or missionaries to accomplish this purpose. Jesus used fisherman and tax collectors to get His message out.  Not only are we to serve with words but also example. Our lives need to make folks say, I'm not totally sure what they have but I want to be part of it. Have a good week.