4-7-23 Sermon Notes “The Impossible Dawn”

Early on a Sunday morning, as the day was dawning, two women made their way to the tomb where Jesus’ body had been placed. They were Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” (in chapter 27, Matthew tells us that the other Mary was the mother of James and Joseph). Do you wonder what was going through their minds? I do. Maybe they were thinking, “What are we going to do now…now that Jesus is gone?” Maybe they were wondering if they were going to be the next ones to be “silenced” by the powers that be. A practical question that might have been on their minds would be, “How in the world are we going to move that big stone out of the way so we can get into the tomb?” Impossible! But then… Let’s remember the story as Matthew tells it:

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (Matt. 28: 1-10 NRSV)

Turns out NOTHING is impossible with God!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Sam