Slices
Prepare
After the agony of the crucifixion and the disappointment of Jesus’ death, now comes the moment of victory. Jesus is alive! Let the Easter cry arise triumphantly in your heart: ‘He is risen! He is risen indeed.
Bible passage
Jesus has risen
28 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. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: “He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.” Now I have told you.’
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’
The guards’ report
11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, ‘You are to say, “His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.” 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.
The great commission
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
Explore
Matthew’s account of the resurrection morning is brief and succinct, but nevertheless conveys the sense of victory that sin has been dealt with, the devil is defeated and now death is overcome. Imagine how the women, the guards and the disciples felt! Fear and great joy (v 8) seem very understandable. What rejoicing the resurrection brings to every believer’s heart. Now we enjoy the assurance of sins forgiven, freedom from the clutches of the devil and the glorious certainty of heaven to come.
No wonder the religious leaders try to spread misinformation about what has happened. This is explosive news: the validation of the claims of Christ. Anyone who hears that Jesus is alive will want to follow him.
This good news is for sharing. The disciples are commissioned to take the gospel to the ends of the earth, confident that they have the authority of Jesus to do so and believing his presence will be with them wherever they go (vs 16–20). This is a challenging task, and one that is still before us today.
Respond
The promise given by Jesus to his disciples is continually valid for all who seek to follow where he leads: ‘Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20). Reflect on what this promise means to you.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Joshua 10,11; Psalm 38
Pray for Scripture Union
SU Hong Kong’s theme for this year is Equip. Pray that through their programmes and activities, God will equip children, youth leaders and Bible teachers with the knowledge, skills and spiritual maturity to serve faithfully.
Equipping the church to reach the next generation
Across England and Wales, increasing numbers of children and young people are asking big questions about life, faith and meaning. Many are more open than we might assume – curious, thoughtful, and ready for conversations about Jesus, even when church isn’t part of their everyday world. For churches who have a heart for the next generation, this presents a real and hopeful opportunity.
Many leaders carry a deep desire to help the next generation encounter Jesus, but with full diaries and many responsibilities, knowing how to respond – or where to begin – can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve created the It’s Time to Act guide.
It’s a simple, encouraging resource designed to help churches take thoughtful, realistic steps towards revealing Jesus to the next generation. Rather than offering big programmes or quick fixes, the guide focuses on what’s possible now – small, achievable actions that can grow over time. Inside, you’ll find practical ideas shaped by real church life that work alongside busy schedules and varied contexts. So, whether your church is just beginning to explore this opportunity, or already taking steps, the guide aims to meet you where you are and help you discern what comes next.
Our hope is that It’s Time to Act feels less like another initiative, and more like an invitation – to notice where God is already at work, and to take a next step, one step at a time.
If you’d like to explore the guide and see whether it could support your church, you can order a copy here.