CrossGroups Connection Guide
Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 28
This is our final week in the gospel of Matthew. This week, we will focus on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Remember, at the end of chapter 26, Jesus had just gone through His “unofficial” trial, in which the religious leaders conspired to find an excuse for His death. However, the Sanhedrin had no power to carry out a death sentence unless a foreigner entered the sacred section of the Temple. So, they took Jesus to the Roman governor, Pilate, for the “official” trial. Pilate had one main job – keep the Jews from rioting. It became obvious to Pilate that the only way to prevent a full scale riot was to have Jesus murdered, even though he found no legitimate reason to do so. Though making a public show of washing his hands, he caved to the crowd.
Crucifixion was the method of capital punishment used by the Empire for non-Romans, particularly political criminals. It was considered especially humiliating. The death was slow, painful, and public. Jesus was offered wine, which would have dulled the pain, but He refused. The charge written over Jesus’ head on the cross was a conviction of sedition against the Empire – “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews”. Take special note of the marginal characters in the story – a North African Jew was compelled to carry the cross, indicating salvation was for the entire Jewish race. The soldiers said “Truly this man is God’s Son!” showing that salvation was for gentiles. The women and the wealthy attended Jesus’ funeral, meaning salvation was for all.
Pilate had succumbed to the religious authorities by crucifying Jesus, but having been given an inch, they wanted a mile. On Saturday, they had Pilate keep Jesus’ tomb under guard. On Sunday, the female disciples came to the tomb. Only Matthew records an earthquake here, which accompanied an angelic messenger. Matthew makes a point of showing this was too much for Roman soldiers, but not for the Jewish women! These women are to serve as eyewitnesses. They are brought in to see the empty tomb for themselves. Then, they are given a message for the male disciples – “Meet me in Galilee.” Galilee was the hometown of many of them. It had been the center of Jesus’ earthly ministry, and probably the home of Matthew’s earliest readers.
Only Matthew includes the account of the bribing of the guards. Remember Matthew’s gospel was written to Jews who remained in the area of these events. This rumor – that Jesus’ body had been stolen – would have been fresh on their ears! Meanwhile back in Galilee, the remaining eleven disciples gather on a mountain. This was most likely the mount of Transfiguration, found in Matthew 17:1. In Matthew’s account, this is the only post-resurrection interaction with the disciples that is recorded. Jesus’ only words to the disciples – more than one of whom were struggling with doubt – is what we today call the Great Commission. The disciples are told to carry on the message, and Jesus promises to empower them to do just.
Today’s sermon will celebrate Jesus and the challenge He left us.
• Go around the table and share prayer requests. Have someone lead in prayer.
• Let everyone who would like to share anything exciting from their week.
• Did anyone do last week’s assignment? What was the result?
• Ask these three questions. Let as many answer each one as they would like.
1. Have you ever had a job you didn’t like or didn’t think you could do? How did you respond?
2. Is there anything in today’s scripture that especially speaks to you?
3. What questions would you like to ask about today’s scripture?
• Go over this week’s assignment (below). Commit to work on it together.
Today’s Sermon
Key Truths –
• The disciples worshipped and doubted.
• Our worship can be filled with doubt sometimes.
• Jesus commissioned the doubting disciples.
• Jesus commissions us today.
This Week’s Assignment –
Having a CrossViewed life means accepting the impossible task of changing our world, even when we don’t feel like it! Write down one way you can GO or TEACH this week, then commit to take action to carry it out. Pray for Jesus to remove your doubts and fears.
