It is rare to go to a funeral where people stand to speak slanderous words over the one who is in the coffin ready to be buried.  “He’s was a liar!”  “He was a trouble maker all his life.”  “His family and close friends will continue to spread lies and be trouble in our world.”  As if death wasn’t enough—slander and lies rain down on the deceased.

Wow.  These are not the words you hope people you love will say about you, right? 

As if death wasn’t enough…Jesus’ power hungry, fear filled, religious leaders, born into the family of God’s Chosen, the Jews were still bringing slanderous words against the Son of God. 

Matthew 27, The Message

The Tomb

^57-61 Late in the afternoon a wealthy man from Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, arrived. His name was Joseph. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate granted his request. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in clean linens, put it in his own tomb, a new tomb only recently cut into the rock, and rolled a large stone across the entrance. Then he went off. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary stayed, sitting in plain view of the tomb.

^62-64 After sundown, the high priests and Pharisees arranged a meeting with Pilate. They said, “Sir, we just remembered that that liar announced while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will be raised.’ We’ve got to get that tomb sealed until the third day. There’s a good chance his disciples will come and steal the corpse and then go around saying, ‘He’s risen from the dead.’ Then we’ll be worse off than before, the final deceit surpassing the first.”

^65-66 Pilate told them, “You will have a guard. Go ahead and secure it the best you can.” So they went out and secured the tomb, sealing the stone and posting guards.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Death was NOT enough.  As believers, we know God wins.  We know the rest of the true story of how Jesus “rose” above all the slander, mocking, beatings, being nailed to a cross and even death.  Jesus, who never sinned became sin for us.  It is finished.  Once and for all.  God never left the scene of the mission to save us.  God is in control of the situation.  God turns from the sin but is still there.  God sees his Son laid to rest but He knows what happens next.  After three days—Jesus changes everything and brings even greater Hope to a broken world. 

Focus on all the characters.  What must they be thinking and feeling? Some seem to be in shock.  Some are still angry.  Some are broken-hearted.  Some are full of fear.  Some are glad it is over.  Some walk away and give up.  But focus on the woman for a moment…As great love held Jesus to that cross, that same kind of love held the women to stay and watch from a safe distance, not leaving the scene of his burial in a borrowed tomb.  And speaking of the tomb, there is this man, Joseph of Arimathea, who came forward courageously to Pilate and asked for the body so he could show respect and dignity to the Body of our Lord.

And the religious leaders?  They actually spoke truth as they tried to slander Jesus once more, as if death were not enough, witnessing to Pilate what Jesus said, “After three days I will be raised.”

And Jesus did—just like God said He would centuries early.  Believe, really believe, and repent of all that sin in which Jesus died. Believe that He did indeed rise with victory and power over death and burial to leave the grave, talk with his family and friends once more before ascending (going back) to heaven.  Believe that His rising from death is also our victory over death! 

When Jesus came back to life in the same, nail scarred, earthly body, and ate with his friends, He declared the resurrection power God has over death and secured the Hope of eternal Life for all who believe!  Jesus—The Way, Truth, and Life.  Jesus is our Hope.

Yes, Jesus changed everything.  Jesus still changes everything when we say yes to Him.  Hope is Jesus, who changes our current outlook on life here as we look forward to a forever life with him there.  The things that bother, perplex, confuse us here will no longer be an issue there.  In the meantime, Jesus left us His Holy Spirit to guide, comfort and teach us.  He gives us new eyes to see what is best for us according to God.  He opens our minds and shows us new perspectives, from different angles of Kingdom thinking that His Word gives, as we problem solve each day.  He gives us courage to take steps forward in His will as we walk in obedience as He fulfills His purpose in us that He planned long before we were a twinkle in our parents’ eyes.

God’s love turned the world upside down.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

Jesus—”What a Beautiful Name”, indeed!  (Songwriters: Ben Fielding / Brooke Ligertwood)

You were the Word at the beginning
One with God the Lord Most High
Your hidden glory in creation
Now, revealed in You our Christ

… What a beautiful Name it is, what a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a beautiful Name it is, nothing compares to this
What a beautiful Name it is, the Name of Jesus

… You didn’t want heaven without us
So Jesus, You brought heaven down
My sin was great, Your love was greater
What could separate us now?

… What a wonderful Name it is, what a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a wonderful Name it is, nothing compares to this
What a wonderful Name it is, the Name of Jesus
What a wonderful Name it is, the Name of Jesus

… How sweet is Your Name, Lord, how good You are)
We love to sing in Your Name, Lord, love to sing of who You are

… Death could not hold You, the veil tore before You
You silenced the boast of sin and grave
The Heavens are roaring the praise of Your glory
For You are raised to life again

… You have no rival, You have no equal
Now and forever, God, You reign
Yours is the Kingdom, Yours is the Glory
Yours is the Name above all names

… What a powerful Name it is, what a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a powerful Name it is, nothing can stand against
What a powerful Name it is, the Name of Jesus…

God, the Father, Jesus, the Son, and Holy Spirit,

Thank you.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen. I believe!