All the words of Scripture combined, all the prophets, Moses’ words, David, the psalms, all Christ’s miracles, His bitter passion and death, everything comes to a head this morning with these huge words – “HE IS RISEN!”
All creation will sing out its joy, even the sun rises with extra brilliance at these words being sung. The hearts of men leap like John in the womb at these words. Jesus came into John’s presence and he lept for joy, yet more does the hearts of all men as Jesus walks from the tomb.
At the birth of Jesus, full angel choirs came out to sing the joy. “Joy to the world the Savior’s come!” The shepherds in awe ran to see. But, today only two angels speak, no hosts of choirs sing.
“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” – Matthew 28:1-6
“she bent over to look[a] into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.” – John 20:11-12
You’d think every angel would be in full voice, singing this song of joy!
But, no. Jesus sneaks into the locked room and gives this mission to us!
“When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”” – John 20:19-23
Jesus gives the greatest news of all time not to angels to sing and spread but to each of us. He give us His Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance then says, “go tell the world!”
“Go tell” – John 20:17, Luke 24:9, Mark 16:7 and Matthew 28:7
“Go tell” is the core of the Great Commission. Go tell the world that HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN, INDEED!