A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
I. EVENTS ARRIVING AT THE TOMB
A. REVERANCE
Mt 28:1 Well after the Sabbath, nearing daybreak on the first of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary and Mk 16:1 Salome bought spices, so that they might go to the tomb and anoint Him.
1. EASTER MORNING
2. SOLEMNITY
B. RESPONSIBILITY
Mk 16:3 As they walked they talked among themselves; “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb for us?”
1. ATMOSPHERE
2. QUESTION
C. ROLLED AWAY
Mt 28:2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat on it.
1. SHAKING
2. STONE
II. ENCOUNTER AT THE TOMB
A. RESPONSE
1. APPEARANCE
Mt 28:3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
2. FEAR
Mt 28:4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead [men].
B. RESPECT
1. BOWED DOWN
Lk 24:5a And as they were thrown into fear and bowed their faces to the ground
2. SURPRISE
Lk 24:5b he asked them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? Mt 28:5 Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
C. REVELATION
1. INVITATION
Mt 28:6 He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where they laid the Lord. (also Rom 6:4;8:11; I Pet 1:3)
2. COMMAND
Mt 28:7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and behold, He precedes you to Galilee; there you will see Him. See, I have told you.”
III. EXCITEMENT LEAVING THE TOMB
A. REPORT
1. GOOD NEWS
Mt 28:8a So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, Mk 16:8 for trembling and astonishment had overcome them,
2 GOOD SPEED
Mt 28:8b and ran to tell it to His disciples Lk 24:9b and the others.
B. REACTION
Lk 24:11 But these words seemed to everyone an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
1. HYSTERICAL
2. UNBELIEVABLE
C. RECOLLECTION
1. REMINDED
Lk 24:8 But they remembered Jesus words. (also Luke 24:7)
2. SUMMARY
(also Romans 1:4; 1 Thes 4:14; I Cor 15:51; Hebrews 7:25).