What Jesus Did! 'Got to Tell Somebody!' — Matthew 28:6-8

Sunday, December 26, 2021

[At Jesus' empty tomb, the angel said to the women:] "He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you."

The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel's message.

— Matthew 28:6-8 NLT

Key Thought

"Go quickly and tell his disciples...!"

We need to be reminded that Jesus conquered death. He is no longer in the tomb. Jesus isn't just risen; he is living, and he is Lord. Why do we need to be reminded?

The realities of life sometimes crash in around us. We have loved ones die, and we grieve because of the separation that death brings. We cry because we hurt deep inside. We are saddened because life seems so short.

Jesus' resurrection is the assurance of our own resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 45-58). Jesus' victory over death means the life of every one of his followers matters and counts. Jesus' reign in his Kingdom means that we have hope that allows us to grieve, but not as those who have no hope — we grieve with expectation of seeing our loved ones again, of being reunited with them in the presence of the one who died so that we can live with him forever.

I don't know about you, but I've got several folks I need to tell about this!

Today's Prayer

O precious Father and Almighty God, you are my rock in the storm and my light in the darkness. Jesus' victory over death for me has sustained me with hope in the darkest days when loved ones have died. Because of Jesus, I believe that I will share heaven, not only with you but also with those I love who have loved you and honored Christ as Lord. Please lead me to someone who needs that encouragement. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
  • 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
  • Hebrews 6:9-10

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 28:6-8 NLT — And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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