If the gospel of Matthew ended at verse 61 of chapter 27 we’d have a dead moral example and a scattered group of followers.
Some would prefer the story ended here, but the events recorded in chapter 28 of Matthew’s gospel are foundation on which Christianity rests, and the cornerstone which supports and gives meaning to everything we’ve read so far.
The story goes on, and because of that story so do we.
Psalm 148 – From Heav’n O Praise The LORD and Let Your Kingdom Come are the songs of preparation; Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise begins our worship.
The prayer of adoration and confession will praise God for the wonder of His saving work in Jesus and repent of our failure to be constantly amazed by it.
That sense of wonder and trust will be expressed as we sing How Deep The Father’s Love For Us, after which we’ll affirm our faith together with the Apostles’ Creed and Worship, Honour, Glory, Blessing.
From God’s Word, Jeremiah 13: 13-30 will reveal God’s charge that the sons of Josiah are unworthy of the covenant promises God has made to King David, leaving us to trust God’s faithfulness amid human failing and unfaithfulness.
We’ll respond to that by singing O Saviour, Where Can Guilty Man?
After hearing Matthew 27:62 – 28:15 we’ll hear about the meeting that changes everything, considering the nature of the resurrection which Jesus experiences, the disciples of Jesus in the time after his death, and the meeting between them and the difference which that encounter makes to all who experience it.
After our prayers of thanksgiving and for the needs of others, we’ll give our tithes and offerings and conclude our worship singing Sovereign Grace O’er Sin Abounding.
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