INTRODUCTION:

· THE GRAVE: This word is seldom used, except Memorial Day at the cemetery or when someone dies or at Easer.

· WEBSTER: Four uses of this word

Grave – In music means slow or solemn

Grave – A cleaning the hull of a ship

Grave – A final resting place for the dead

Grave – A matter requiring serious thought, weighty, heavy, something important.

The last two I will focus on

READ TEXT: MATTHEW 28:1-5

When I was growing up the old-timers would often say... “That’s a Grave Thing” meaning something serious.

Four Points – That First Easter there was a ...

A Grave Disturbance, A Grave Disappearance, A Grave Decision, A Grave Deception,

(1) A GRAVE DISTURBANCE* (Read V-1-4) !

Matthew 28:1-4 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men/. *

Setting

Early in the morning the women came to finish the embalming process, they had just arrived and an earthquake takes place, The Bible says an – an Angel descended from Heaven and rolled back stone from door, and sat upon it

This was a “Grave Disturbance” One of the most peaceful places you'll find is the “cemetery” But…not when Jesus is around

The women were disturbed - Jesus' body was missing Luke says “they were much perplexed”

The Keepers were Disturbed - They did shake and became as dead men, they fainted, were stunned

Note: Jesus is in the business of Shaking things up…

When He was 12 yr old He became missing His Mother / Father searched for Him

When He Called Peter and John ito discipleship they left their business

When He Healed the sick and blind, it changed their lives forever

The Pharisees were disturbed with his teachings

The Roman soldier at the cross was disturbed / surely this is the Son of God

The Veil in the Temple was disturbed/ when He cried it is finished

The Graveyard in Jerusalem was disturbed, the saints walked around (Matt 27:52)

God is in the “Shaking Up” business. Why? Because only He can!

Only God…can fill a void in an empty heart / draw the vilest sinner to foot cross

Only God…Take someone who is spiritually dead and make them alive and whole

Only God…Roll back the stone from a Grave sweep it clean of contents

Only God…Clean a heart and fill it with His love and mercy

Time and time again God disturbs us to get our attention

It’s a serious thing… it’s a Grave thing - To Hear the call of God and reject it, To Feel the drawing of the Holy Spirit and say no

My Prayer! God shake our lives today as you shook the world that first Easter* Disturb our lives as you disturbed the tomb, Roll back every hindrance and let us see you

A GRAVE DISTURBANCE

(2) A GRAVE DISAPPEARANCE (Read V-5-6)!

Bible: Matthew 28:5-6 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

THE TOMB: Empty, the stone rolled away, Jesus was gone, Disappeared

The Angel said…”Fear Not” How could they not fear? Ground shook, Keepers lay dead men, Angels appearance , the body of the Savior was gone

· This was a “Grave Disappearance”

I know you seek Jesus” “He is not here” Note: Here are four words I hope people say about me one day

One day there will be another “Grave Disturbance and Grave; Disappearance”

All that are in the graves will hear His voice. Every: cemetery, mausoleum, tomb, Grave, Urn, shoebox, will be emptied

READ JOHN 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

READ 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

*There will be Another Grave Disappearance One Day!

HusbandWifeChild – missing, gone, disappeared this is a serious thing: One day millions missing, and you’re left behind

He will Come as a thief – Be ready

GRAVE DISTURBANCE, DISAPPEARANCE

(3) A GRAVE DECISION (Read V-7-10)

Matthew 28:7-10 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Go Quickly: this is urgent don’t delay. Go tell the others. “He Is Risen”

The greatest event in the history of mankind has just happened. Jesus: who was beaten, nailed cross, suffered, died, buried, has just risen from dead and He wants to meet with the disciples. Note: the state of the women as they left. V-8 “ They departed with fear & joy”

Fear because of the angel, keepers, earthquake,

Joy because he had risen

Two Emotions: we all possess. Joy at a wedding and a birth or graduation, Fear from heights, fear spiders, snakes, -

Greatest fear we have “death” Jesus conquered death, hell and the grave

· READ HEB 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

· Everyone: here will have to make a “Grave Decision” one day Not about just where you’ll be BURIED, but where you will BE throughout all eternit One of these days: you'll have to meet Jesus V-9 What Decision will you make about Jesus? Will you meet Him with FEAR? Or JOY

(4) A GRAVE DECEPTION (Read V-11-15)*

Matthew 28:11-15 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. *

The Chief priest / Elders paid large sum money to soldiers to say “His disciples came and stole the body while we slept

Devil deceives “He will say there is no Resurrection” No Need to Worry, you have plenty time, No Hell, The Grave is the end! But God will tell you truth, here it is...

READ HEBREWS 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: /

*First is death – that’s a given, an absolute,

*Second is Judgment – that’s a given, an absolute

· READ ROM Romans 3:23; 6:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(5) TO THE CHURCH - A GRAVE DECLARATION V-16-20

Read Matthew 28:16-20

PRAYER

God disturb my live today, shake me up, and wake me up May the sin that’s keeping me from you disappear today by the covering of the blood Christ. Give me the courage to seriously look at my life today, and see it as you see it Help me to make right decision May my Destination from this day forward be Heaven Amen!

INVITATION

Some hearts today might be filled with fear - you're not ready if death angel would come

Is God disturbing your heart, do you need to make a decision?

It’s a grave, serious thing to be eternally lost – Accept Jesus Christ today.

Some hearts today are filled Joy - You’re ready,