(a) Narrate the story of the resurrection and appearance of Jesus to the women in the Gospel of Mathew. (b) What is the significance of the resurrection to ...

(a) The resurrection and Jesus' appearance to the women (Matthew 28:1-10)

As the Sabbath ended, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow, and the guards trembled and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." He then commissioned them, "Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and behold He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him." With fear and great joy the women ran to bring the news to the disciples.

On the way, Jesus Himself met them, saying, "Rejoice!" They came, held His feet, and worshipped Him. Jesus said, "Do not be afraid; go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me." Meanwhile the guards reported to the chief priests, who bribed them to spread the lie that the disciples had stolen the body.

(b) Significance of the resurrection to Christians

• It proves that Jesus is the Son of God and that His claims are true.
• It is the foundation of Christian faith; without it, as Paul says, faith is vain.
• It guarantees the forgiveness of sins and the believer's justification.
• It assures Christians of their own resurrection and eternal life.
• It shows Christ's victory over sin, death and the devil.
• It gives hope, courage and joy, and forms the basis of the Christian gospel and mission.