Friday, April 18, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Matthew 28
Have you ever dreaded something, but when the day arrived, you had the exact opposite experience?
Think about the women who visited Jesus’ tomb following his death. Their terrible grief was quickly replaced with surprise and unimaginable joy. They were living in the shadow of death and left with the joy of life. As much as that experience must have filled them with hope, imagine the wonder they felt when they realized what it really meant: the snake from the garden had officially been crushed (Genesis 3:15). The resurrection was the greatest moment in all of history.
Throughout the pages of Scripture, we see creation yearning for restoration. Humanity cycling through periods of obedience and disobedience to God’s good Law. Wars constantly destroy the just and unjust alike. Death is the constant victor.
Then comes Jesus. He lives the perfect life we were meant to live, only to die on the cross. All hope seems lost. But he doesn’t stay dead. Jesus conquers death, defeats Satan, and restores God’s relationship with humanity. Satan is dethroned, and Jesus is the new King.
Matthew 28:18-20
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
We now have the promise of life. Not a life filled with the fear of death but with a hope for eternity with God. Jesus gave all of his disciples (us included) the assignment of going into the world and telling others about the life he alone can give. But it goes beyond telling, it involves teaching.
Like the switch from grief to joy, our lives undergo a similar transformation when we accept Jesus into our lives. We must learn how to become more like him.
Obedience to Jesus is part of the adventure, but it’s not always easy. It goes against our natures, and we cannot do it alone. Thankfully, Jesus promises to be with us and give us the power we need. And as we are transformed, those around us can’t help but be changed too!
Questions:
Are you a “follower” of Jesus or a “disciple”? What practices do you have in your life that are making you more like Jesus?
Next Steps:
Watch this short video to reflect on the reality of Jesus’ life and resurrection.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the victory of the resurrection. Thank you for the hope we now have for eternal life with you. I pray that I live like I believe in Jesus’ victory over Satan and evil. Help me boldly tell others of the hope I’ve found in him. Give me courage and strength to show others Jesus’ love at all times. Thank you for the gift of your Son. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
This post was written by Julie Mabus, a Whitehouse attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.