The Resurrection of Jesus Gives Joy and Hope (Matthew 28:1-10)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
5 April 2026
Christ rose from death on the first day of the week which is our Sunday. Our Puritan forefathers spoke of Easter Sunday as the Christian Sabbath to be distinguished from the Jewish Sabbath. Something of great magnitude happened when Jesus rose from death. His resurrection on Sunday, the first day of the week, ushered in the New Covenant. The Old Covenant has its fulfilment in the New.
Jesus appeared first to devoted women. They observed where the body of Jesus was laid. They planned to return to anoint his body. What brought about such devotion? It was because they had spent time with Jesus and observed his commitment to God and his love for humanity. Devotion comes from spending time with people in face to face contact. Today’s social media platforms have their place but cannot replace personal contact.
Despite the women’s devotion to Jesus they were slow to believe in his resurrection. They returned on Sunday to the tomb with spices and perfumes to anoint the body of Jesus. They were expecting to find a body, not an empty tomb! Jesus spoke openly of his death and resurrection but the women, like the men, were slow to believe.
The natural mind does not believe in resurrection. When Paul preached in Athens the people listened until he spoke of resurrection. Then they mocked him. (But some believed.) People today still mock resurrection. The human heart has not changed.
Angels were sent to announce Jesus’ resurrection. At important times in Jesus’ life, angels were sent to herald news. Hence at the birth, resurrection, ascension of Jesus there was angelic presence. Also, when Jesus returns there shall be the sound of the archangel. Angels were sent to announce what humans cannot comprehend.
The women were gradually convinced that Jesus rose from death. His resurrection was physical and visible. They could not deny it.
Jesus’ message to the women was “Rejoice”. Resurrection is a matter of great joy. Our Christian Sunday should be a day of joy. Our meeting together should be a happy occasion.
The women held the feet of Jesus and worshipped him. Jesus received their worship. He is truly God.
The first people to worship the risen redeemer were women. When Eve gave birth to her first-born son she excitingly believed her son was the promised seed to bruise the head of the serpent. This was not the case. Fittingly, it was the daughters of Eve who with the same excitement as Eve, welcomed the real seed, that is, Jesus, the one to bruise the head of the serpent.
Resurrection was not the final chapter. Jesus told the women not to hold on to him for he had not yet ascended to the Father. He must return to the Father who sent him. He would return to earth again in power and authority. This happened on the Day of Pentecost.
The resurrection of Jesus brings joy and hope – joy because Jesus has triumphed over sin; hope, because there is life after death. Blessed are you if you have joy and hope in your soul. Rejoice. Jesus is not in the grave. He is not there. He is risen.