Explore the Bible with Pastor Larry Bertrand

·33 min·3 clips

Pastor Larry Bertrand reveals why the empty tomb in Matthew 28 compels believers to take the gospel to all nations.

This episode is a solo Bible study lesson from the Explore the Bible series, delivered by Pastor Larry Bertrand of Tallowood Baptist Church. It was recorded during Holy Week, leading up to Resurrection Sunday on April 5, 2026. The primary text is Matthew 28, specifically verses 1-10 and 16-20, which include the account of the resurrection and the Great Commission. Bertrand begins by setting the context of Holy Week and the transition from the despair of Good Friday to the hope of Resurrection Sunday. He recounts the historical sequence of Jesus's arrest, trials before Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate, crucifixion, and hasty burial. The narrative then shifts to the women discovering the empty tomb, encountering an angel who announces the resurrection, and later meeting the risen Jesus himself. Bertrand provides exegetical details, such as clarifying that the 'other Mary' was not Jesus's mother and explaining that the stone was rolled away for witnesses to enter, not for Jesus to exit. He emphasizes the resurrection as a factual event, citing Paul's reference to over 500 witnesses in 1 Corinthians. The lesson analyzes the angel's four-part message to the women: do not be afraid, he is not here, come and see, and go and tell. Bertrand shares a personal anecdote about a friend who eventually converted after years of hearing 'He is risen' on Easter. The final section is a detailed breakdown of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), focusing on Jesus's authority, the command to make disciples of all nations, the Trinitarian formula for baptism, and the promise of Jesus's continual presence. Bertrand concludes with a prayer and references the hymn 'He Arose.' The format is instructional and expository, moving sequentially through the scripture passage with application points for listeners.

As heard by us

Matthew 28 moves from the empty tomb to the Great Commission and a clear call to go.

Larry Bertrand's Matthew 28 lesson traces a clear movement from the sorrow of Good Friday to the surprise of the empty tomb, then into the Great Commission. The core point is steady and easy to follow: Jesus rose, and resurrection sends people out.

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If you want Easter with a little spine, start here.

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