THE LAST LAUGH
Read it
Matthew 28:1-10
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 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. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 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.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:1-10)
Discover It
Most people know the story about the sufferings of Jesus Christ. He was betrayed by a friend, unjustly arrested, and deserted by his disciples. He was beaten, blindfolded, and spat upon. He was whipped, stripped naked, crowned with thorns, and nailed to a cross. He was mocked and laughed at. But Jesus would have the last laugh. In our scripture for today, after being laid in a borrowed tomb, on the third day, he arose!
Ask It
1. Read Matthew 28:1-10 aloud. What portions of this scripture passage make you smile? Why?
2. Why do you think the Lord’s resurrection occurred in such a dramatic fashion? Why the earthquake, the angel’s appearance as lightning, and sudden, surprising appearance of Jesus to the women?
3. Why do you think Jesus appeared first to the women and not to the disciples or the important political or religious rulers? What does this indicate about the nature of Jesus Christ?
Live It
1. Consider the Death of Jesus. Salvation is a free gift, but it came at a great cost for Jesus to suffer and die, paying for your sins with his blood.
2. Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. When Jesus rose, he was proclaiming his lordship over sin, death, hell, and the grave. Don’t ever take this for granted. Never lose the “wonder of it all.”
3. Accept the Offer of Jesus! Jesus said, “Come to me, all ye who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Answer his call by coming to Jesus in repentance and receiving his forgiveness.
Pray It
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude and reverence, thanking you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross redeemed us from sin and granted us eternal life. Thank you for your profound love demonstrated through Christ's sufferings on the cross, and thank you for the profound power demonstrated through your resurrection, which offers hope, renewal, and joy to the world. Help me to never forget the immense sacrifice Jesus made for our sake when he died, and the promise of salvation Jesus brought when he rose. Thank you for the joy of Easter! Amen.