Easter Fears
Matthew 28:1-6
Pastor Carl Toti
April 8-9, 2023
Easter Fears
Matthew 28:1–6 (NIV)“
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.”
QUESTION: What is the greatest commandment? What is the hardest commandment?
TOP FIVE FEARS
1. Corrupt government officials—62.1%
2. People I love becoming seriously ill—60.2%
3. Russia using nuclear weapons—59.6%
4. People I love dying—58.1%
5. The U.S. becoming involved in another world war—56.0%
Fear Not is the Message of Easter
Fear Defeated by a Promise
Matthew 28:5-6“5
Do not be afraid,” he said. I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said”.
Matthew 28:7 (ESV)
“7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”
Matthew 28:8 (ESV)
“8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Matthew 28:10“
10 Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
All Will Be Well
