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To acknowledge the God who partners with those who honor Him and undertake incredible tasks
Leadership Practical considerations Messengers Personal touch
(John 19:38-42) ď‚Ą
In a time of great uncertainty, when the disciples seemed unorganized, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus worked together to secure, partially embalm, wrap and entomb the body in a near by cemetery. God directed these men to take actions that prepared the way for the women who followed.
(Matthew 28:1-4) ď‚Ą
At the right moment and not a moment before God sent an angel to move the stone and nullify the threat of the soldiers on guard.
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These incidents had nothing to do with the risen Christ who reigns supreme over all creation. These events had everything to do with God
(Matthew 28:1-4)
making the way before the women smooth. ď‚Ą
No soldier or stone could ever guard or prevent the Lord and Author of life. These orchestration s by God were for the benefit of the women on their way to carry out an insurmountable task.
(Luke 24:4-9) ď‚Ą
There are several recorded interventions made by angels. â–Ş One sat on the stone and spoke to Mary Magdalene and Miryam informing them of the resurrection and inviting them into the tomb (Matthew 28:2-7)
â–Ş Having entered the tomb they encounter an angel sitting on the right hand side. This angel simply draws their attention to the empty tomb (Mark 16:5-8)
▪ So shocked to encounter someone inside the tomb they rush outside. Later they re-enter and are met by two angels who appear after the women are inside the tomb. Maybe the angels blocked the exit so the women stayed put. These angels’ assignment was to remind the women of the words of Jesus (Luke 24:49)
â–Ş The women finally leave the cemetery and tell the disciples what they have seen and heard. Since the disciples seem to be staying in different localities the women seem to split up. Peter and John launch an investigation into the report. After informing Peter and John, Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb and remains there after the men have left.
▪ She looks into the vacant tomb and sees two angels sitting where the body was. Their assignment is simply to ensure Mary’s well-being. These angels pass on no new information. (John 20:11-13)
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So from the recorded accounts, God used a minimum of two angels or a maximum of sis to interpret and engage the women in making the necessary discoveries to arrive at the right conclusions. The some angels also conveyed messages from God to guide the women towards their next steps. The angels provided the women with instruction at a time when leadership was absent.
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Notice the tenderness of God in feeding the women the message in small bits, step-bystep. In their current traumatized state their minds could only process a little at a time.
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God sent the angels to intercept the women on assignment. The messengers were not sent to those who were behind closed doors.
Now the dedication, loyalty and fortitude these women showed under the weight of such trying circumstances required the reward of a personal touch. â–Ş Mary Magdalene separates from the group of women. She seeks out Peter and John. The other women seem to go to the other disciples. When she returns to the tomb, Jesus appears to her. Her
â–Ş response is to cling to Him. He now sends her on a fresh assignment with a message for the disciples (John 20:10-18). â–Ş The other women also met Jesus and their response was to cling to His feet. He also sends them on assignment with a new message for the disciples. This message being different from the one given to Mary Magdalene (Matthew 28:8-10).
God Himself honoured the women who had set themselves an insurmountable task. There were other women among the disciples but only those of Mary Magdalene’s group ventured on this adventure. ▪ Mary Magdalene’s group of women were given God’s message first hand.
â–Ş Those who stayed at home received the initial resurrection messages second hand.
â–Ş By visiting the women personally, Christ honoured them with one of the greatest memories they would hold of Him.
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Even though the women never completed their assignment it was in going that they experienced their greatest blessing. The message given to them by Christ benefitted them first and their hearers second.
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In carrying the Lord’s message the women were given responsibility, purpose and direction. The good news they carried filled
them with wonder and excitement. Had they chosen to remain behind the safety of closed doors God Himself would not have met them through:
▪Leadership ▪ Practical considerations
▪Messengers ▪Personal touch
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Had they not undertaken an insurmountable task they would have missed out on an incredible adventure.
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these women were like this before the resurrection can you imagine what they were like after the resurrection? After Pentecost?
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Those who take God’s good news receive fresh instructions on the way. Those who remain behind closed doors get their instructions second hand.
Exodus 19:4 KJV