Notes: The Living One

The Living One 
By David Feddes

Matthew 28:1-10

¹ After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

² There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.⁴ The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

⁵ The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

⁸ So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.⁹ Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Revelation 1:12-18

¹² I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands,¹³ and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.¹⁴ His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.¹⁵ His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.¹⁶ In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.¹⁸ I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Awesome: stunning splendor

• Encounters of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Habakkuk, women at tomb, Stephen, Saul blinded by light
• John’s vision. Best friend flattened. Light of sun and all stars came from him. Dazzling face, voice like waterfall, sharp sword from mouth.
• People who fell down before man or angel were told not to do so. But Jesus accepted worship from the women on Easter, and from John on Patmos.
• Worship his majesty. He is God. Don’t underestimate him.
• Believers' bodies will be glorified like his, and we will reign with him.

Affectionate: tender touch

• Glorious, divine Jesus is still human and still John’s friend. He gently touches John and says, “Fear not!”
• In John 20, the risen Jesus says three times to his stunned disciples, “Peace be with you.”
• Jesus now reigns in splendor, but he is still the same Jesus as he was during his humble time on earth. He is still the friend of sinners. He still won’t break a bruised reed (Isaiah 42:3). He still speaks to the Father on our behalf (1 John 2:1).

Alive: indestructible life

• As the first and the last, the Son was there before the beginning and will be there after the end of all things. He is the source of all life.
• “Life” is a constant theme of John’s gospel and of Jesus’ preaching. See John 1:1-4, I AM sayings, abundant life (John 10:10), living water (John 4, John 7:37-39).
• “It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him” (Acts 2:24).
• Receive life. Don’t choose what is lifeless and worthless.

Authoritative: controls keys

• Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt 28:18f, Eph. 1:17f) Do you wish Jesus had stayed here on earth? Be glad he took his heavenly throne and reigns!
• Jesus opens the scroll of history (Rev 5).
• What Jesus opens, no one can shut. What he shuts, no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.  (Rev 3:7-8)
• Jesus holds the keys to heavenly mansions.
• Jesus holds the keys to Father’s heart: Jesus is our flesh in heaven.
• I can’t enter death unless Jesus decides. I can’t stay in death if Jesus opens door to heaven.
• Are you facing age or deadly illness? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Remember, Jesus controls the keys.

 
Response

• Worship his majesty. Don’t underestimate him.
• Trust his love. Don’t be afraid.
• Receive life. Don’t settle for anything lifeless and worthless.
• Obey his authority. Don’t disobey.

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)