MOTIVATE

My church story

• Curious about God
• Bit later, Christians knocked on our door with church invite.
• Bayside chapel every 2-weeks, summer backyard bible clubs, eventually around teen years became every week.
• While I became faith informed, I was not faith inspired. I lacked discipleship, but more desire.
• 12^th grade with mission teams… me reading Bible… me going to a GBC youth… peers.

Overall,

1. Church/God has protected my boundaries.
   1. Not so much as intervention for me as prevention. I’m thankful for a boring testimony.
   1. But family members and close friends have gone a different way. Thankfully, for some there has been a divine intervention, some of whom I’ve participated.
2. Church/God has provided my relationships.
   1. Faith values informed how to treat people made in the image of God.
   1. Lifelong friends.
   1. Mentors.
   1. Spouse.
      
3. Church/God has propelled my direction.
   1. Exposed to the world with discussion about missions. Lottie Moon & Annie Armstrong were essentially household names.
   1. Church hosted missionaries. I learned that God’s first language wasn’t English.
   1. Church benefited from mission teams, and in turn served with mission teams.
   1. All of this opened my eyes to intersect the world’s needs with my greatest joys.
   1. Humbled at my vocation…

I share my story about the church to say this:

• If Jesus can change, guide, and grow my life, then He can do the same for you.
• The message of Christianity is not about having abstract belief and generic good luck. Instead, Christianity is about a specific faith in a single Savior, who knows you and still offers love to you.
• We can be known and loved. The world wants to love you until it knows you. Once someone sees your quirks in the morning, your shortcomings in circumstances, and the imperfections over time, then their love often pulls back or grows cold. But God’s love is different. Jesus knows you and His Spirit still pursues you because He knows God’s purpose for you is better than what you have planned on your own.

Today’s message will help us to see Jesus. Our aim will be to align with God’s design for our humanity and His church.

EXAMINE Matthew 28

¹ Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.

We must picture the scene. Family and friends of Jesus had spent three of the most astonishing years together. They had seen Jesus perform miracles – such as healing sick & lame, materializing food necessities, and ultimately raising dead with a little child and their dear friend Lazarus. The past six days they experienced a city celebration of Jesus as king with their hopes crashing with the betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion of Jesus. Death appears to have depleted their dreams and determination. For most of the disciples, the days are not worth waking up and their life is overcome by fear, guilt, and shame.

Yet, the women disciples remain emotionally invested in Jesus. The Gospels of Mark & Luke relay that these women came to offer Jesus’ body a proper burial. It’s like today when someone lays one wreath, others want to join in with their flowers or offerings of condolence.

² And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. ⁴ And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. ⁵ But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

Yet, a supernatural earthquake had appeared with the tomb stone rolled away from the entrance, and an angelic being sitting on top of the stone. Matthew implies Jesus had already risen and exited the tomb. Thus, the stone was rolled away not for Jesus’ exit but for the disciples’ entrance to see the empty tomb.

“He is not here” is a reminder to us that Satan is doomed, the grave is not our final address, and death doesn’t win. God’s people have the presence of blazing light and beautiful love.

The presence of angels should not surprise us as angels had attended Jesus at every significant event of His life:

• Incarnation (Luke 2:13)
• Temptation (Mark 1:14)
• Affliction (Luke 22:43)
• Resurrection (Matthew 28:2)

Angels are God’s faithful and fierce messengers. Whenever they appear in the Scriptures, people are afraid. And this case is no different as they speak peace to the women and announce Jesus’ resurrection.

⁸ So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. ⁹ And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

The women’s faithful devotion is evident: they worshiped Jesus and they witnessed for Jesus.  Nothing short of these actions are indicative of faithful followers of Jesus today.  

¹¹ While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. ¹² And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers ¹³ and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ ¹⁴  And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” ¹⁵ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

If Matthew were trying to persuade people of a hoax, then choosing two women as eyewitnesses was a strange choice. Women’s testimony was questionable, and yet all the Gospel writers put forward females as the first eyewitnesses. The only reason to do so would be to report historical facts. 

Further, notably the guards did not deny that Jesus’ body was missing. Instead, the Roman guards with the Jewish leaders concoct a conspiracy of sleeping guards and sleuth disciples. But the story is contradictory because sleeping guards are unaware of what happened and they would be held accountable to the highest of punishments. Few men have the virtue with withstand the highest bidder (George Washington).

Skeptics claim that the burden of proof for the resurrection is on Christians to give evidence. However, the reverse appears to be true. The burden is upon skeptics to produce Jesus’ body, but the evidence is missing because of an empty tomb with the numerous eyewitnesses that says that same Jesus who died was risen and alive today.

Apologetically, there are 5-E’s to support the resurrection.[1]

1. Execution. Jesus’ death is a matter of historical record. Further, the Roman’s were professional executioners, and surviving the full punishment of crucifixion like Jesus would be just as miraculous as the resurrection. And when the disciples arrived at the tomb, each expected to find a crucified corpse. Overall, Jesus’ body was wrapped and buried in a sealed tomb.
   
2. Empty Tomb. It is undebated Jesus’ tomb was emptied. It’s somewhat plausible to believe His body was stolen if you believed the Roman guards were incompetent for protection – especially against fearful and fleeing disciples –, or that the disciples were originators for the movie “Weekend At Bernie’s.” Further, the tomb was not fully empty – Jesus’ grave clothes were neatly wrapped for all to see, suggesting an organized resurrection. Add the event to the numerous OT prophecies stretched across hundreds of years and you begin to see God’s hand in the resurrection.
   
3. Eyewitnesses. The Scriptural account of females originating the resurrection testimony is unique considering historical perspective. Additionally, there were over 500 witnesses to the resurrected Jesus, including those who originally disbelieved or were deficient in their early discipleship. Yet, majority of those early eyewitnesses died a malicious martyrs death based upon their testimony.
   
4. Early Creeds. Legends take generations to develop because they can be debunked quickly by first-hand accounts. However, early creedal statements based on first-generation eyewitnesses of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus was used to catechize believers and future generations to affirm the resurrection of Christ.
   
5. Explanatory Power. The resurrection of Jesus has sustained multiple millennia, with millions of active Christians of wide diversity today. Christianity offers hope to humanity’s deepest questions about life’s purpose and death’s remedy.

One scholar has said, “The evidence for Jesus’ resurrection is so strong that nobody would question it except for two things: First, it is a very unusual event. And second, if you believe it happened, you have to change the way you live.”[2]

¹⁶ Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷ And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.

Obviously, the women were successful in persuading the male disciples of Jesus’ resurrection. Good news has a way of spreading. But so does the bad news, as we note Matthew’s subtle scorn that there are only eleven instead of twelve disciples with Judas’ betrayal and suicide.  

The eleven disciples respond to Jesus similarly as the women – they worshiped Him. When a person sees clearly Jesus they cannot help but be humbled to their knees.

Today, people think if they see Jesus they will have all sorts of actions:

• They’ll ask questions and get answers.
• They’ll express critique and get apologies.
• They’ll leave God’s presence to search out _____, or to go and do _____.

Now, it is quite certain that resurrected followers of Jesus who enter heaven will experience some aha moments and have comforting perspective from their trials on earth. It is also reassuring that there will be an ever sweet and savoring reunion with all the saints we dearly love and have severely grieved their loss. BUT, make no mistake, your first and full response when you see Jesus will not be as a pontificating peacock with hands on hips displaying your drip and showing your swagger. Instead, we will fall at His feet with tears of gratitude, and cries of celebratory praise.  

Matthew notes that some disciples doubted or hesitated. I don’t take this as an indictment upon those gathered around the resurrected Jesus who decided to walk away. Instead, I see this as Thomas who needed more time to process; or like Peter who needed additional affirmation that God’s grace was sufficient to cover his guilt; or even like Paul who needed a kick in the rear to awaken his senses. God wants us to doubt our doubts and take whatever steps we need to discover His glory shines bright and His grace showers abundantly.

¹⁸ And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

When we think of Jesus, many start with His glory, majesty, and miracles. Others think of His grace, compassion, and kindness. But included with those we need to also remember Jesus’ authority and Lordship. Jesus’ claim of authority in v.18 makes His commission in vv.19-20 possible.

*Illus[3]: In the sports world, an athlete has the power to move the ball up the court or down the field to score in style and glorious victory. However, a referee has the authority to regulate that power out of bounds or disqualify it as off limits.
The athlete has great skill, fan support, a shoe contract, and massive social media followers… and all the referee has is a whistle. But the authority of the referee supersedes the ability of the athlete.

Likewise, we must not question Jesus’ authority by the breaking news of the day. Worldly influence, secular strength, or Satan’s sway is not ultimate. God’s power is sovereign, and all authority belongs to the Lord Jesus. And no protest, instant replay, or commissioners ruling can overthrow the authority of king Jesus.

If Jesus does not have authority, then this passage is meaningless – and in fact, all Christians are to be most pitied (1Cor15:19). Unfortunately, many Christians treat Jesus’ Great Commission as an option because they have overlooked Jesus’ claim of authority. Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels are not mere recommendations but rules and commands.

• We must believe Jesus’ claim of authority.
• Believing starts with submitting to Jesus in a single moment, but also an ongoing lifestyle.
• Believing means intentionality to learn Jesus’ commands… Bible engagement is essential.

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

We know last words can be important. Jesus gives marching orders to His followers – all of them, not just a select few. There is only one verb/command in the passage: make disciples (μαθητεύω).

*Word “Christian” appears 3x in NT (Ac 11:26; 26:28; 1Pt 4:16). But the word “disciple” appears 269x in NT.

A disciple was not just a

• Citizen of a community
• Member of a club
• Student of a classroom
• Instead, a disciple was an apprentice of a lifestyle. There would be both formal instruction and informal demonstration that would form the beliefs and behaviors to pass on to others.
  The aim of discipleship was to make other disciples. If discipleship is kept to oneself, then the disciple has failed and deemed unfit.

²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

The modifiers – or the “how” – of making disciples is found in the words:

• Going
• Baptizing
• Teaching

Going: A Christian has to admire that in English, we cannot spell “gospel” without the word “Go.” Literally, the phrase is “as you travel/journey.” This statement frees you from believing that you have to be gifted to speak in public, or be gifted to preach, sing, or even write well. You can make disciples in whatever ability you have and whatever area God has placed you. Your goal is not merely to “make a living,” but to make disciples. By all means – work hard and earn income, but remember your career, networks, and relationships are for the glory of God in spreading His gospel. And evangelism doesn’t require dressing up in a shirt and tie going door-to-door, but simply having conversations with others about who Jesus is and what God is doing in your life.

• Talk about Jesus.
• Write your 2-3 minute testimony.
  Send to spbc / We’d love to video!
• Commit to #WhosYour1
• Christ came so that we may go, and the church does not have the luxury to choose between local and global – it’s both “all nations.”

Baptizing: This sounds very formal, and it is. Remember, baptism is a command of Jesus and not just a choice of a church. Baptism means at least three realities[4]

1. Identification with Jesus as your substitute in life, death, and resurrection (Ro 6:3-4; Col 2:12; Gal 3:27).
2. Purification from sin and its sway (Mt 3:8; Ac 22:16; Rom 6:5-23; Titus 3:5; 1Pt 3:21).
3. Incorporation into Christ’s body, the local church (Ac 2:41; 1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:4).

In sum, life in Christ does not exist outside His church. That does not require your life to be filled with organized ministry activity/events, but does imply gathering in faith, growing in hope, and going in love together with other believers (cf. Heb 10:24-25 “Let us consider how we may spur one another to love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another all the more as you see the Day approaching.”)

Teaching to obey: This is the distinguishing mark of a casual church attender/member and a Christ follower. Jesus gave about 38-50 commands[5], which we should take seriously. And no pastor, church, or anyone else has editorial privilege to minimize the standard of a Christian, nor to manipulate the obedience to human traditions or preferences. Further, churches must teach the word and not do so selectively.

Illus: Parent let children outside to play and after time ready to return. However, the father had just stained the wood steps. Parent sees children returning home and running up the driveway to return inside. Mother shouts, “Don’t come in the front door, enter around back.” Children keep running. Knowing the children, mother shouts again… But children keep running… Mother shouts again but children shout back, “We will be careful!” Finally, mother opens the door and says, “Children, stop! I did not ask you to be careful. I asked you to be obedient.”
Many Christians are attempting careful disobedience when our Heavenly Father requires complete obedience.  

Our aim is not just hearers of information but doers of God’s word for transformation (James 1:22). The #1 place to apply Jesus’ teachings and labor for transformation is in your home (Deuteronomy 6).

Teaching like Jesus requires patience. It’s planting seeds that you’re uncertain if/when they’ll grow but laboring – and partnering with other laborers – to see a harvest in a future season.
à Key investment for a church is CM/YM.

APPLY/THINK

²⁰ And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

We close this message and passage with Jesus’ promise – Immanuel – His presence with us.

We know that people are…

• Lost (mistaken and moving in wrong direction).
• Lonely (unnoticed, abandoned, or abused).
• Looking (curious and questioning)

And the solution for lost, lonely, and looking individuals is the Lord Jesus Christ who promises to save, include, and develop you to reach back to others without the love of Jesus.

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[1] https://growinggodlygenerations.com/2023/04/06/can-we-believe-the-resurrection-of-jesus/

[2] Wolfhart Pannenberg, German Scholar at Tubingen. Quoted in Erwin Lutzer, Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust The Bible, p.113.

[3] Illustration idea from H.B. Charles sermon at SEBTS, “The Marching Orders Of The Church” on Matthew 28:16-20.

[4] See article https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/where-did-baptism-come-from

[5] See https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog/commands-of-jesus/. Or, for a study, see John Piper, All That Jesus Commanded https://www.desiringgod.org/books/all-that-jesus-commanded