Responding to the Resurrected Jesus

On Good Friday, the cross was not the conclusion; it was the setup that changed everything early on Sunday morning. What looked like defeat became victory, what looked like loss became life, and what looked like the end became the beginning.

Matthew 28 describes how Mary Magdalene and the other Mary experienced a revelation. They encountered an angel of the Lord, who told them not to be afraid, assuring them that Jesus, though crucified, was no longer in the tomb but had risen as He promised. Therefore, the Resurrection is not just a moment to celebrate; it invites us to respond.

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Our First Response Is to Come and See

(Matthew 28:1 & 6)

First, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary moved toward the tomb and continually gave it their attention. They investigated with their own eyes where Jesus had been laid, seeking a personal encounter. For us, this is an invitation to have a personal encounter with Jesus by focusing on Him without distractions and finally giving Him the attention He rightfully deserves in our lives.

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Our Second Response Is to Go and Tell

(Matthew 28:7 & 10)

We are encouraged to go and tell others. To go means to move from one place to another or to journey with purpose, and to tell means to speak with intent. Our call is to journey with purpose and declare with intent that Jesus is risen from the dead. To rise from the dead means to cause something that has died to have life once again. Our testimony of transformation—how Jesus reached us when we could not reach Him—can be someone else’s turning point. We must not minimize our testimony of what God has done in our lives. Our silence can keep people in spiritual death. The enemy wants us to shut up because he knows that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

 

 

Our Third Response Is to Bow and Worship

(Matthew 28:9-10, 16-17)

When they saw Jesus, they worshipped Him. The picture of worship is like a dog lapping its owner’s hand. They bowed low, submitted, and expressed their devotion. Their bowing down was saying, “You are Lord, and I am yours.” Verse 17 states that some doubted, but doubt does not disqualify us from devotion. Even when we don’t fully understand what’s going on, it doesn’t mean that we cannot bow down and worship Him. Worship moves beyond just an emotional response to a surrendered life. It happens not just in the sanctuary, but anywhere, through obedience and kindness in the moment.

“Lord, show me what areas of my life are not surrendered to you.” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson

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Our Final Response Is to Disciple and Teach

(Matthew 28:19 & 20)

Our worship does not end at Jesus’ feet; it continues through His mission. Jesus moves the Resurrection to the place of responsibility. Our task is to cause others to become followers of Jesus. In order of importance, Jesus instructed his disciples to disciple and teach because He knew that if we are not transformed from the inside, we will just be “lost and helping people” or “lost givers.”

However, Jesus did not attach preaching to making disciples; He attached teaching to making disciples. Although preaching is good to proclaim Christ, teaching is essential to making disciples. Disciples are not made by preaching alone. After preaching the gospel of salvation, systematic instructions are needed to know exactly what to do with our new faith, operating on information rather than an emotional high. It’s not enough to inspire, excite, or gather people; we must disciple them.

“Evangelism reaches, but discipleship roots.” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson

Micah 4:2 teaches that we must be taught His ways to walk in His path. If we haven’t been taught, we don’t know how to walk. Discipleship means walking together with others on their journey in a life-to-life experience, lovingly instructing them until Jesus brings transformation.

Jesus was also referred to as a teacher (John 13:13). The teaching ministry was so important to Jesus that the disciples asked Him to teach them. And in Acts 5:28, the early church was known for filling all of Jerusalem with teaching.

“Who are you discipling right now?” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson

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The Resurrection is not just an event to remember; it’s a reality to respond to. Our responses are to:

• Come and See
• Go and Tell
• Bow and Worship
• Disciple and Teach