I AM…the resurrection and life

Opening Illustration

Play Video of butterfly metamorphosis

Pastor to read the following during video of butterfly

Imagine a desolate winter landscape, where everything appears dead and lifeless. Suddenly, with the arrival of spring, what seemed dead comes to life—flowers bloom, trees bud, and animals emerge. This transformation symbolizes the resurrection power of Jesus, bringing life and hope where there was none, a perfect picture for Easter.

Introduction to John 11:2526

In John 11:25–26 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?””

This statement underscores the central theme of Easter: Jesus' victory over death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Jesus has ultimate authority over life and death.

He conquered death through His resurrection.

Romans 6:9 “knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.”

This verse emphasizes the definitive nature of Jesus' resurrection. It asserts that after Jesus rose from the dead, He conquered death permanently, meaning He will never die again.

This victory over death signifies that death has no power or dominion over Christ.

For believers, this underscores the assurance of eternal life, as Jesus’ victory over death is the foundation for the believer's hope in their own resurrection and eternal life.

His power over death assures our resurrection.

VIDEO OF MAN RAISING FROM THE DEAD

1 Corinthians 15:20–22 “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”

Faith in Jesus not only promises future resurrection but also a transformed life now.

Eternal life begins the moment we believe in Jesus.

Compare eternal life with Jesus to planting a seed that grows into a flourishing tree, representing the believer's growing relationship with Christ.

John 5:24 ““Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”

This life is marked by a personal relationship with Jesus, changing us from the inside out.

Illustration: Video of Granger Smith

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

The resurrection of Jesus influences our everyday lives, giving us hope and power.

We have a living hope through Jesus’ resurrection, impacting our perspective on life and death.

Illustration: Peter – Thomas -

1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

The power of Jesus’ resurrection gives us power to live victoriously over sin and death.

Tell the story of a believer overcoming a significant struggle or addiction, symbolizing the victory over sin through Christ's resurrection power.

Ray Chavez – Uncle bound by addiction. Heroine user.

Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

Conclusion

Easter is a celebration of Jesus resurrection. This day is the cornerstone of our faith that promises us eternal life and empowers us to live a transformed life everyday.

Encourage the congregation to embrace and live in the reality of the resurrection, experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus offers.