Rob's Expository Sermon Preparation | Mark 16:1–8

Introduction:

· Uber drivers & conspiracy theories…is the Resurrection a conspiracy theory?

I WANT TO SHOW YOU THAT NOT ONLY IS THE RESURRECTION NOT A CONSPIRACY THEORY, BUT THAT THERE ARE THREE WAYS IT WILL RADICALLY CHANGE OUR LIFE.

I) The Resurrection of Jesus Transforms Promise into Reality

A. Accepting Reality…?

i. Is the resurrection account trustworthy? (vs. 1)

1. Many have asserted that the resurrection was either a hoax, or a legend

2. But women eyewitnesses undermines any effort at legendà must be true!

ii. The women accepting grief (vv. 2b-3)

1. The women are not expecting anything other than a graveside service

2. EXAMPLE: “Who will unlock the church? Buy flowers? Bring food?”

B. …Or Remembering the Promise

i. Jesus had promised this was going to happen

1. When the women go into the tomb they are beyond astonished (vs. 5)

2. The angels remind them: “Just as he said”! (vs. 6)

ii. The implication: The resurrection means that Jesus IS who he says he is

1. EXAMPLE: in Africa, Muslims view Jesus as a prophet…but is that all?

2. Liar, or Lunatic: What kind of teacher promises a resurrection?

3. APPLICATION: Or, LORD to whom we trust and surrender?

JESUS’ RESSURECTION TRANSFORMS PROMISE INTO REALITY; BUT, IT ALSO TRANSFORMS DEATH INTO LIFE.

II) The Resurrection of Jesus Transforms Death Into Life

A. Jesus’ Resurrection Means Grace For Fallen People

i. Jesus welcomes his failed disciples – even without a “do-over” (vv. 7-8)

1. Jesus is already on his way, and waiting to receive disciples

2. EXAMPLE: Peter (boasting? Sleeping? Denying?) welcomed back!

ii. Jesus will welcome you when you come to him

1. Christianity is not about cleaning up your act so that God will love you, but a “welcome home”, no matter how far you’ve strayed

2. The resurrection means God has accepted Jesus’ work as payment in full

B. Jesus’ Resurrection Means Life in a Dead World

i. CRUCIFIED…but risen! (vs.6b)

1. The emphasis highlights the sobering daunting reality of death

2. EXMAPLE:

ii. Jesus’ resurrection transforms death into life

1. As firstfruits, WE will all share in his bodily resurrection

2. As firstfruits over all creation, ALL creation will be brought to life

THERE’S ONE FINAL WAY THAT JESUS’ RESURRECTOIN CHANGES US.

III) The Resurrection of Jesus Transforms Grief Into Mission

A. The Secret…

i. Jesus has previously commanded silence (5:43 8:26 etc.)

1. Jesus healed, but commanded silence

2. EXAMPLE: The little girl; the blind & deaf men

ii. Why? Because there was too much risk in getting him “Wrong”

1. There was a risk that people would view Jesus as a magician

2. EXAMPLE: Health, Wealth, Prosperity directs people to STUFF

B. …Is Out!

i. But now that the full picture emerges, word must go out! (vs. 7)

1. Jesus has now revealed the full scope of his work: A savior who would suffer and be resurrected

2. NOW he commissions the women to tell the disciples(& others) about THIS Jesus

ii. Mark’s last laugh…and the persistent mission of Jesus

1. …but the women are too overwhelmed! (Mark must have laughed at the irony…)

2. BUT: Word must have gotten out, or we wouldn’t be sitting here

3. APPLICATION: March missions (but don’t need to go far!)

Transition:

Conclusion

asd