Matthew 28

Reading the resurrection account reminds me of one of my favorite songs, The Easter Song by Annie Herring from 2nd Chapter of Acts. I think that this is one of the most powerful songs ever written. Some of the lyrics come straight out of Matthew 28! Check out the following link to see an interview with the three artists from the band and a live performance of the song...SWC

The Easter Song-Second Chapter of Acts

The Easter Song by Anne Herring
Here the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be born again
Here the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead
The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world,
He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be healed right now
Hear the bells ringing,
They're singing Christ, He will reveal it now
The angels, they all surround us
And they are ministering Jesus' power
Quickly now, reach out and receive it
For this could be your glorious hour

Joy to the world,
He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

The angel up on the tombstone
Said he has risen, just as he said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world,
He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
Hallelujah

Matthew 27

When I reflect on the man (Simon of Cyrene--North Africa) who carried the cross (actually the crossbeam) for Jesus, I think, "what an honor." I wonder what he thought? At the time he was probably worried about what the Roman soldiers might do to him.

In the book of Mark we are also given the names of Simon's two sons, Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21). The name Rufus again appears in Romans 16:13 as the apostle Paul sends his greetings to Rome. Tradition holds that this family became believers and were well known in the early church. There is good reason to believe that this tradition is true. Otherwise it would have been unlikely that the gospel writers would have mentioned these names. Looking back, I'm sure that Simon was honored to carry the cross. We also have the honor to carry a cross... SWC

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

Matthew 26

Following the passover meal, Jesus and his disciple sang a hymn (ESV). Most likely they would have sung Psalm 113. This Psalm was traditionally sang at this time. It is a Psalm of praise. We continue this same tradition today when we sing a song of praise following the Lord's Table--sometimes the Doxology. Let's keep this in mind the next time we celebrate communion! SWC

Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! Psalm 113:1 (ESV)

Matthew 24 & 25

Both of these chapters focus on future events. Since we don't know the time of Christ's return, the charge is to be found in a "ready" condition. Here's a synopsis of how to live...SWC

Endure until the end (Matthew 24:13)
Don't follow a false Christ (Matthew 24:23)
Stay awake (Matthew 24:43)
Be ready (Matthew 24:44)
Be a faithful and wise servant (Matthew 24:45)
Use our talents (Matthew 25:21)
Feed and cloth the hungry (Matthew 25:35)
Receive strangers (Matthew 25:35)
Visit the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:36)