Authenticating His words and works are the empty tomb, resurrection, and appearances, all proving that Jesus Christ is indeed the prophesied Messiah, the very Son of God.

     Christ's final ministry in Judea (beginning in Matthew 19:1...'Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond Jordan; 2 and large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.') reaches a climax at the cross as the King willing gives up His life to redeem sinful persons.  Jesus endures awesome human hatred in this great demonstration of devine love (cf. Romans 5:6...'While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for  the ungodly. 7 Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man--though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die.  But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. )  His perfect sacrifice is acceptable, and this gospel concludes with glorious resurrection.

I.  The Empty Tomb (Matthew 28:1-8)

     Now after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the sepulchre.  And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his rainment white as snow.  And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.  But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here; for he has risen,  as he said.  Come, see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galileel there you will see him.  Lo, I have told you."  So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples..

II.  The Appearance of Jesus to the women. ( Matthew 28:9-10)

     Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said.  They came to him.  Then Jesus said to them. "Do not be afraid.  go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee: There they may see me."

II.  The Bribery of the Soldiers  (Matthew 28:11-15)

While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place.  And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sum of money to the sooldiers and said, "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.'  And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble."  So they took the money and did as they were directed, and this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

IV.  The Appearance of Jesus to the Disciples. (Matthew 28:15-17)

   And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.  Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the passover?"

V.  The Great Commission  (Matthew 28: 18-20)

    And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."