Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Matthew 28:6c-10
by: Jo Anne Kandel.
Scripture readings thus far have set the stage for the final appearance of the resurrected Jesus in person. Matthew wants to make the context of Jesus’ reappearances perfectly clear. First, Jesus announced that he would be resurrected. Secondly, he died and was placed in the tomb. Thirdly, the angel met with the women at the tomb and announced, “He is not here” (v. 6). Finally, he appeared! Of course the women felt fear and great joy. This sequence of events is opposite of the heralding and arrival of the Jesus found in the early chapters of the gospels. Taken together, we can see the pattern of the coming of Jesus foretold, his descending from heaven, his earthly ministry, Jesus announcing his return, and his resurrection from death. God came down to live among us, a miracle indeed!