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

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

"But Jesus is not here. He has risen from death, like he said he would. Come and see the place where his body was. And go quickly and tell his followers. Tell them: 'Jesus has risen from death. He is going into Galilee. He will be there before you. You will see him there.'" Then the angel said, "Now I have told you." So the women left the tomb quickly. They were afraid, but they were also very happy. They ran to tell his followers what happened.
— Matthew 28:6-8 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 28:6-8 NLT — And go quickly and tell his followers.

Key Thought

"Go quickly and tell his followers!"
We sometimes forget that 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.
The realities of life sometimes crash in around us, too. 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.
But Jesus' resurrection is the assurance and insurance of our own. 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 them 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 Light in the darkness. Your victory over death for me in Jesus has sustained me with hope in the darkest days of loved ones who have died. I believe that because of Jesus, 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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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.

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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