Week 13 · April · Easter

Easter - He is Risen

Theme: Resurrection · Matthew 28:1-10

Scripture Passage

Matthew 28:1-10 (ESV)

Introduction

This week we turn to Matthew 28:1-10 as we consider the theme of resurrection. the apostle Matthew wrote to Jewish believers seeking to understand Jesus as the promised Messiah during a time of first-century jewish life was shaped by synagogue worship, torah observance, and the hope of god's kingdom. The passage speaks to the heart of what it means to live faithfully in every season. As you read this week, allow the words to shape your understanding of God's character and your response to him.

Background

Matthew 28:1-10 was written in the context of the first-century mediterranean world in which matthew was written. Roman occupation of Palestine created political tension and messianic expectation among the Jewish people and jewish religious life in the first century was diverse, with pharisees, sadducees, essenes, and zealots each offering different visions of faithfulness shaped the world of the original readers. The Greek word basileia (basileia, G932) carries the meaning of kingdom, royal power, reign. This word points to the reign of God breaking into human history, not as a distant future hope but as a present reality that transforms how believers live. Matthew 28:1-10 reveals a central truth about God's character and his relationship with his people. The language used here carries weight in the original Greek, pointing to a depth of meaning that rewards careful study. Commentators have long noted how this passage connects to the broader themes of Matthew, weaving together threads of faithfulness, obedience, and grace.

5-Day Reading Plan

  • 1

    Matthew 28:1-10

    Read Matthew 28:1-10 carefully, noting the key themes and repeated words.

  • 2

    John 20:1-29

    Look for connections between John 20:1-29 and the primary passage.

  • 3

    1 Corinthians 15:1-20

    Consider the historical setting as you read 1 Corinthians 15:1-20.

  • 4

    Matthew 28:1-10

    Focus on how Matthew 28:1-10 applies to your life today.

  • 5

    John 20:1-29

    Reflect on what John 20:1-29 reveals about God's character and purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the resurrection change the way you face your hardest circumstances?
  2. How does Matthew 28:1-10 challenge or encourage you in your current season of life?
  3. What is one truth from this week's reading that you want to carry with you into the days ahead?

SOAP Focus

This week, use the SOAP method to focus on all 5 days as you study Matthew 28:1-10. Pay particular attention to the themes of resurrection that run through the text. Write out the verse or phrase that speaks most directly to your life right now. Note what you observe about its meaning in context, consider how it applies to your circumstances, and close each day with an honest prayer of response.

Connection to the Year

Last week we explored Good Friday - The Suffering Servant and the theme of holy week. The truths from Isaiah 53 provide a foundation for what we study this week. This week's focus on resurrection through Matthew 28:1-10 continues to build the narrative of our year together. Next week we will turn to Walking with the Risen Jesus, exploring the theme of post-resurrection. As you finish this week, consider how the themes of resurrection connect to what lies ahead.