The Resurrection

(Psalm 16:1-11; Psalm 49:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9)

1Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men. 5The angel answered the women, "Don't be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified. 6He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying. 7Go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.' Behold, I have told you."

8They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word. 9As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me."

The Report of the Guards

11Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers, 13saying, "Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14If this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry." 15So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until this day.

The Great Commission

(Mark 16:14-18)

16But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them. 17When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted. 18Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.