BEYOND EASTER: NOW WHAT?
Matthew 28:1-20
Purpose:	To inspire people to share resurrection stories.
Introduction:
# Two years ago I studied this passage for Easter Sunday’s message.  I noticed, while I was preparing, a reoccurring word, “tell” or “told”.  My mind and my heart took note.  Then the awareness of the message began to dawn on me.
Listen to the passage noting the settings and persons from whom the word “tell” or “told” originate.
(Read Matthew 28:1-20)

I.	The Power of telling
	A. 	Resurrection announced (5-7).
		1. An angel announced Jesus had risen from the dead.
			a. He provided proof, “Come and see.”
			b. He declared Jesus’ whereabouts – “going ahead of you to Galilee.”
		2. Angels made the ladies God’s messengers “Go tell his disciples.”
		3. “Now I have told you.”
			a. What does this sentence mean?
			b. Okay, I’ve delivered my message; mission accomplished.
			c. Do what you are told; I said, “quickly.”
			d. Obey like I just did.
			e. Go tell, like I just told you.

B.	Delivering resurrection news to the disciples (8)
		1. The women felt conflicting emotions.
		2. They rejoiced and experienced fear.
		3. Who would believe Jesus had risen from the dead?
		4. They would probably encounter some people (from the Show-me-state:) who 			would doubt.
		5. Their fear did not conquer courage or prevent obedience, for they were 			headed to tell His disciples.
C.	Jesus intercepted the women messengers (9-10).
		1. Jesus reassures them, “Do not be afraid.”
		2. He tells them what the angel just told them.
		3. Why?
			a. They seemed to get it; they were following directions.
			b. Jesus ministered to their emotions: “Do not be afraid;” He came as a 				reassuring presence.
			c. “Tell my brothers’ was a different message than, “Tell his disciples;” 				Jesus claims them as family, not merely followers.
			d. Jesus reinforced the angel’s message.
			e. He delegates communication responsibilities to us.
				1. He includes us in telling His story.
				2. He wants us to enjoy telling the great things He has done.
				3. We get to reenact what He did in telling us to tell.
D.	A devised plan of denial.
		1. The chief priests concocted another story to tell.
		2. “Tomb robbers!” His disciples stole him by night.
		3. Now this was a tricky story, for the guards who were told to tell this story 			were responsible to keep this very thing from happening.
		4. Everyone in that day knew sleeping guards were put to death.
		5. Moreover remaining asleep when a large rock was rolled over rock would be 			nearly impossible.
		6. And for all the guards to sleep and remain sleeping would stretch believability.
			# Campers in Idaho were sleeping outdoors by Lake Josephine when a 				boulder rocketed down the canyon a half mile away. Campers sat up 				abruptly.  The sound was frightening and loud. 
		7. Whose story possesses the most credibility?
		8. Telling a story, even a whopping lie, cannot be separated from the integrity of 			the story-teller.
		9. Why, let me ask you, why are frightened common folk more apt to be believed 		than bought-off soldiers?
E.	Jesus told them to teach everyone what He taught them (19-20).
		1. The New Testament Church told the story of Jesus.
		# Peter on the Day of Pentecost told the 1000’s gathered that Jesus, who 			is God, died for their sins.  They repented and believed.  The result: God 			forgave their sins and they experienced new life.
		2. Peter told the story of how Jesus three times asked him if he loved him.
			a. This is a resurrection story.
			b. Jesus gave new life to Peter.
			# Josh tells a personal resurrection story of how cancer had a grip on his 				body while yet in his teens. God healed him. He is cancer free a decade 				later. 
Conclusion:
	1. You have a story to tell.
	2. God has authorized you to tell.
	3. God makes clear we are to, by telling, make disciples of all people.