Podcast Summary: "CROSS TO COMMISSION | He Has Risen"

Podcast: 2819 Church
Speaker: Milton James
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10
Date: March 16, 2026

**Overview of Episode's Main Theme

Milton James, elder at 2819 Church, delivers a passionate and scripture-rich sermon focusing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ as recounted in Matthew 28:1-10. This message is part of the "Cross to Commission" series and emphasizes moving from awe of creation to awe of the Creator, centering hearts on the living, risen Christ. James calls listeners to move beyond a surface knowledge of Jesus to a soul-deep beholding and transformation, urging both believers and seekers to respond to the reality of the resurrection.

**Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Awe and Beholding Christ

• Milton welcomes all present, including "the unbeliever, the one still trying to figure out the claims of Christ" ([00:13]).
• He prays Ephesians 3:14–21 over the congregation, asking for deep spiritual strength and awakening ([02:40]).
• Reflects on personal moments of awe at natural beauty but hears God remind him to look beyond creation to the Creator:

  "My heart was so attached to the creation and it did not move past that to the Creator... that wow in you, that should be moving us to Christ." ([06:11])

• Uses the story of Simeon (Luke 2:25–32) as a metaphor for a heart that wholeheartedly beholds Jesus ([07:45]).

2. The Extraordinary Yet Human Life of Christ

• Encourages meditation on the entire life of Christ, not just the resurrection or crucifixion ([10:41]).
• Reminds that Jesus "navigated that whole [family] time perfectly" and "obeyed his parents perfectly" ([10:41]).
• Points out that the gospel can become "common" to believers, warning against complacency ([12:44]).

3. Events of the Resurrection Morning (Matthew 28:1-10)

• Details the arrival of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary at the tomb, with focus on their expectations of finding Jesus’ body, not a risen Savior ([13:29]).
• Draws attention to the difference between “death earthquake” (Friday) and the “resurrection earthquake” (Sunday), emphasizing their spiritual meanings:

  "[On Friday], the earth shook.... On Sunday we have another earthquake. This earthquake... now we have resurrected power that has raised the Lord Jesus and the whole place. Earthquake shook the whole place. But that, that earthquake was for death, hell and the grave." ([17:44])

• Stresses the centrality of resurrection:

  "Without the resurrection, we are lost. He's just another dead man in a tomb. Without the resurrection, we are lost in our sins." ([18:30])

4. Meaning of the Empty Tomb and Resurrection Details

• Explains the tombstone was rolled away not for Jesus to get out, but for witnesses to see he was gone ([19:31]).
• Cites the folded face cloth in John 20 as a first-century “it is finished” signal:

  "It wasn't until the master took the napkin and folded it up. And that's when the servant knew the master is finished." ([21:35])

• Urges the church to walk in the freedom and provision signified by the resurrection ([23:49], [24:30]).

5. The Angelic Encounter and Commissioning of Women

• Describes the angel’s appearance as lightning, connecting it to the unapproachable light of God ([25:10]).
• Highlights the women's courage and the supernatural empowerment they received to encounter the angel, and their commissioning:

  "Jesus has empowered women to spread the gospel... The Lord Jesus put the gospel message in the mouths of women." ([30:50])

• Reveals the radical, counter-cultural nature of women as primary witnesses in the resurrection story ([31:02]).

6. Reactions to the Risen Lord and the Call to Life-Changing Worship

• Paints a vivid emotional scene of the women’s awe, fear, and joy upon meeting the risen Jesus ([32:32]).
• Expresses his personal longing to thank and worship Jesus face to face, describing gratitude as never enough ([34:41]).

  "Saying thank you down here just don't seem like enough." ([35:15])

7. Jesus’ Divine Claims and the Need for Heart-Level Belief

• Walks through several direct scriptural claims to divinity made by Jesus—Matthew 26:62-66, John 8:48-59, and John 10:30-33 ([42:19], [45:41], [48:04]).

  “No man can claim 'I am.' ... People keep, 'Well, Jesus never said he was God.' I just walked y’all through three claims, And now I'm saying, trust him. Behold him. Be in awe of him.” ([46:42], [48:04])

• Distinguishes between head knowledge and true soul-transforming faith, calling for heartfelt repentance and surrender ([36:35], [37:22],[39:04]).

8. The Resurrection as the Basis for Christian Identity and Mission

• Emphasizes that through resurrection, followers become "brothers," co-heirs, and members of God's family ([50:17]).
• Urges believers to continually “behold” Christ, not only on Sundays but daily; to keep Christ supreme in all areas of life ([52:15]).

  "It's got to be bigger than Sunday. If this is just a Sunday thing, you are missing it... To behold him. Often implying awe. His entire life." ([52:12])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On beholding the Creator (not just creation):

  "That wow, y’ all heard, that wow in you... should be moving us to Christ." — Milton James ([06:11])

• On the folded napkin as a sign:

  "Jesus said, I'mma show them that it's finished for them. Death, hell, grave. It is done. It is finished." ([22:09])

• On women as first witnesses:

  "The Lord Jesus put the gospel message in the mouths of women." ([31:02])

• On the emotional impact of resurrection worship:

  "Saying thank you down here just don't seem like enough." ([35:15])

• On Jesus’ divinity:

  "No man can claim 'I am.' ... you, being a man, make yourself God." ([46:42–48:04])

• On the heart posture required:

  "No, you need to be. You need to be resurrected in your soul. You need to be transformed. You need to be born again." ([36:56])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening, Welcome & Prayer: [00:01] – [04:00]
• Personal Reflection and Beholding Christ: [06:11] – [12:44]
• Overview of Jesus’ Life: [10:41] – [13:29]
• Introduction to Resurrection Account: [13:29] – [19:31]
• Meaning and Symbolism of the Resurrection: [19:31] – [24:42]
• The Angel and the Commission to Women: [25:10] – [31:55]
• Women Encounter Risen Jesus: [32:26] – [33:43]
• Personal Longing for Worship: [34:41] – [36:01]
• Jesus’ Divinity and Bold Claims: [42:19] – [48:04]
• Resurrection’s Impact on Believers’ Identity: [50:17] – [52:15]
• Final Call to Behold and Prayer: [53:33] – [56:47]

Conclusion & Call to Action

Milton James closes by pleading for a genuine, Spirit-led transformation in the lives of all listeners—believer or unbeliever—urging all to “behold” the risen Christ with awe, gratitude, and commitment not just in word, but through true repentance and trust ([54:41]–[56:47]).

For more: 2819Church.org