Memory Verse — 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Heidelberg Catechism 45:  What does the resurrection of Christ profit us? First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, that he might make us partakers of that righteousness which he had purchased for us by his death (1 Cor 15:16, Rom 4:25, 1 Pet 1:3); secondly, we are also by his power raised up to a new life (Rom 6:4, Col 3:1, 3, Eph 2:5f); and lastly, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge of our blessed resurrection (1 Cor 15:12, 20, 21, Rom 8:11).

Monday:  Mt 28:1-4.  How is the angel and his arrival described?  What does it convey?  Why did he come (v 2)?  Why did the guards respond as they did?  If this is how unbelievers respond to an angel, how will they respond to Christ at his second coming (Rev 6:15-17, 1:7, 12-18)?  How are you responding to Jesus the Christ?

Tuesday:  Mt 28:4-7.  Since the women had witnessed the crucifixion, why does the angel add that?  Why did Jesus die (e.g.  Gal 3:13, Heb 4:15, 1 Pet 3:18)?  Jesus’ death, and Easter are most significant for people who know they’re sinners.  Do you see your sin as a problem?  Do you feel the offense of your specific sins against God?  What does Jesus do with your sin on the cross (1 Jn 1:9)? 

Wednesday:  Mt 28:5-7.  What does the angel announce?  How is Jesus’ resurrection the crowning proof that the sin-death-penalty is fully paid (Acts 2:24, Heb 7:26f, Rom 4:25)?  How is it the proof that he was victorious in the battle he fought to deliver us (1 Cor 15:54-57)?  How do we begin to live resurrection lives now (Rom 6:4)?  What future hope does the resurrection guarantee (1 Cor 15:12, 20f)?  Hallelujah!

Thursday:  Mt 28:5-7.  History is verified by eyewitness testimony.  What is the angel’s message?  What proofs that it is true are found in these verses?  Read Mt 16:21, 17:9, 23, 20:19, 26:32 where Jesus predicted his own death and resurrection.  Why is it significant that Christianity is rooted in historical events?  If Jesus really rose from the dead, you will meet him one day -how are you living in light of that? 

Friday:  Mt 28:5-8.  How does the angel tell the women to respond?  How did the guards and chief priests respond (v 11-15)?  How are you responding to the resurrected Christ?  Why would it have shocked the disciples to now be called ‘brothers’ (12:49, 26:31, 74)?  What does this say to you about Jesus?  

Saturday:  Read Genesis 2:18-22.  How is mankind made for relationship and community according to these verses?