Bible ReadingMatthew 27:55-28:10 “There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, ‘Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, “After three days I will rise.” Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, “He has risen from the dead,” and the last fraud will be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.’ So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. 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. 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. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 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.’ So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’”
[18:22]Psalm 16:10 “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.”
[02:57]Romans 6:4-5 “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
[28:36]Observation questions- In Matthew 27:55-61, which people stay near Jesus at the cross and at the tomb, and what are they specifically described as doing? [24:41]
- What details are given about Joseph’s burial of Jesus, and what details are given about the tomb itself? [26:18]
- What steps do the chief priests, Pharisees, and Pilate take to make the tomb secure? [37:14]
- In Matthew 28:1-10, what contrast is seen between the guards and the women when the angel appears and the tomb is opened? [45:01]
Interpretation questions- Matthew places Marys and a Joseph near the end of the Gospel, much like Mary and Joseph appear near the beginning. What does that suggest about how God ordinarily carries out his redemptive purposes in the world? [23:21]
- The women remain at the tomb even when everything appears finished. Why might their presence matter so much in this passage, and how does it keep the burial scene from being only a scene of defeat? [27:33]
- The angel says, “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.” Why is “as he said” such an important phrase for understanding the resurrection and the trustworthiness of Jesus’ promises? [46:33]
- Romans 6 connects Jesus’ burial and resurrection to the believer’s own life. How does that shape the way this passage speaks not only about what happened to Jesus, but also about what happens to those united to him? [29:03]
Application questions- God often uses average disciples in quiet and ordinary ways. Where is it hardest to believe that right now—in the home, at work, at school, in old age, in weakness, or after past failure? What makes that hard to believe? [34:40]
- Some people keep looking at the “tomb” of their own life—past sin, shame, weakness, fear, or disappointment—and conclude that they are unusable. What tomb do you tend to stare at, and how has that kept you from simple obedience? [55:01]
- God’s kingdom often moves forward through small acts of faithfulness: speaking of Christ in conversation, teaching Scripture to children, leading a family, carrying a Bible without embarrassment, praying openly. Which ordinary act of obedience seems most fitting for this season of life? [33:24]
- Earthly powers still try to put a seal on the tomb through pressure, mockery, false belief, or fear. What kind of pressure most tempts this group to shrink back right now? [40:41]
- Fear fixes its eyes on the tomb, but faith looks at the risen Christ. When fear rises in daily life, what helps turn the eyes back toward the resurrection rather than toward the threat? [54:23]
- The women receive the words, “Do not be afraid,” and then they are sent to go tell others. What conversation, invitation, or act of witness might obedience require this week, even if there is still some fear mixed in with joy? [49:31]
- The resurrection is not only a truth to affirm but a power that carries believers forward. What would it look like for the risen Christ to “propel” someone here into one specific step of obedience this week? [55:25]
