Risen (Easter 2018)

In a world full of bad news, I am so grateful for Easter.

2017 and the start of 2018 have been really hard for a lot of people.

We have been talking about and singing about Jesus and his resurrection all morning long, and it has been great!

Financial struggles, health complications, relationship issues, and the chaos of the world can really weigh us down.

That’s why I love Easter.

Although we talk about it often and keep a pretty close focus on what Jesus did for us, it helps me to take time every year to really buckle down on what Jesus has done for us.

Why? Because Easter gives us hope.

All morning long, we have sung songs about Jesus’ death and resurrection, and they have reminded us that he is forever exalted, that his name is powerful and beautiful, and that we can face anything because he is alive!

So, how did it all get started?

We want to look at this morning to see how the events unfolded on that first Easter morning.

We see the story of three women and how their plans for the day got turned completely upside down.

Start with me in verse 1-2…

· Start with me in verse 1-2…

This is really the central idea of Christianity. It is who we are and what we are about.

In fact, in a passage we won’t look at this morning, we find out that the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is so important that without it, the rest of Christianity is worthless.

This would have been early Sunday morning. Keep in mind how the Jewish people in the first century counted days.

· This would have been early Sunday morning. Keep in mind how the Jewish people in the first century counted days.

· Jesus died on Friday afternoon. He had to be buried quickly because Saturday, which was their day of rest, started at sundown.

Jesus died on Friday afternoon. He had to be buried quickly because Saturday, which was their day of rest, started at sundown.

· They didn’t have time to properly prepare Jesus’ body for burial.

They didn’t have time to properly prepare Jesus’ body for burial.

So, what

So, we find the ladies coming to the tomb as early as possible to finish the burial process.

· So, we find the ladies coming to the tomb as early as possible to finish the burial process.

The officials were afraid that Jesus’ followers would take the body and hide it, because they heard some talk that Jesus had said He was going to rise from the dead.

· The officials were afraid that Jesus’ followers would take the body and hide it, because they heard some talk that Jesus had said He was going to rise from the dead.

Here’s what Matthew tells us happened:

· Here’s what Matthew tells us happened:

Matthew 27:62–66 CSB

The next day, which followed the preparation day, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember that while this deceiver was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give orders that the tomb be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come, steal him, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” “You have a guard of soldiers,” Pilate told them. “Go and make it as secure as you know how.” They went and secured the tomb by setting a seal on the stone and placing the guard.

“Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’ “Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.”

“Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’ “Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.” (, NASB95)

So the women expected to come back to Jesus’ grave and find it covered by a large rock with a seal around it and guards keeping watch.

· So the women expected to come back to Jesus’ grave and find it covered by a large rock with a seal around it and guards keeping watch.

That’s why they asked in verse 3-4…

· That’s why they asked in verse 3-4…

· Can you imagine their surprise in when they saw that the stone had already been rolled away?

Can you imagine their surprise in when they saw that the stone had already been rolled away?

· What greeted them next was even more incredible.

What greeted them next was even more incredible.

· Look at verse 5…

Look at verse 5…

Instead of a body, they found an angel!

· Instead of a body, they found an angel!

I don’t know about you, but the statement, “…they were alarmed,” is a little bit of an understatement for me!

· I don’t know about you, but the statement, “…and they were amazed,” is a little bit of an understatement for me!

Can you imagine walking into a tomb and finding an angel sitting in the corner?

If that weren’t enough, the angel delivers some absolutely incredible news.

· If that weren’t enough, the angel delivers some absolutely incredible news.

· Here’s what he said. Read with me verse 6-7.

Here’s what he said. Read with me verse 6-7.

In just a few short sentences, the angel told the women at the tomb that day more than they could have imagined.

· In just a few short sentences, the angel told the women at the tomb that day more than they could have imagined.

· Those truths that the angel communicated are just as incredible to us today as they were 2000 years ago.

Those truths that the angel communicated are just as incredible to us today as they were 2000 years ago.

The reality he told that day is the source of the hope we have.

· Let’s look at three realities the angel expressed.

Let’s slow down and take a closer look at what the angel said, because those sentences are loaded.

He is going to give us at least three different pieces of information this morning.

· The first is…

The first is…

Look with me at verse 6 again…

· Look with me at verse 6 again…

· The angel started out by confirming to the ladies that he genuinely knew what was going on.

The angel started out by confirming to the ladies that he genuinely knew what was going on.

· He tells the ladies who they are looking for: “…you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified.”

He tells the ladies who they are looking for: “…you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.”

· They were in the right place, and this really was where Jesus had been buried.

They were in the right place, and this really was where Jesus had been buried.

· Let’s focus on the statement, “who has been crucified,” for just a minute.

Let’s focus on the statement, “who was crucified,” for just a minute.

· They knew that, but there are a lot of people today who don’t.

Don’t miss this truth: Jesus really had died.

· Understanding that Jesus has been crucified is incredibly important in helping us understand why Easter is so crucial.

Understanding that Jesus has been crucified is incredibly important in helping us understand why Easter is so crucial.

· If you were with us Friday evening, we took some time to look at Christ’s death on the cross.

If you were with us Friday evening, we took some time to look at Christ’s death on the cross.

Since some of you may not have been here, let’s recap.

· Since some of you may not have been here, let’s recap.

Jesus had one last meal with His disciples on Thursday night, likely celebrating the Jewish feast of Passover.

· Jesus had one last meal with His disciples on Thursday night, likely celebrating the Jewish feast of Passover.

After that, He and most of His disciples ended up in a place called the Garden of Gethsemane.

· After that, He and most of His disciples ended up in a place called the Garden of Gethsemane.

· One, a man named Judas, had slipped out so he could finish betraying Jesus.

One, a man named Judas, had slipped out so he could finish betraying Jesus.

· Judas brought soldiers and officials with him to arrest Jesus in the garden.

Judas brought soldiers and officials with him to arrest Jesus in the garden.

When they arrested Jesus, all the rest of the disciples abandoned him, leaving him alone to face his fate.

· Throughout that night, Jesus went from one official to the next, having trial after trial, because there wasn’t really anything to accuse Him of.

Throughout that night, Jesus went from one official to the next as the Jews tried to find a way for Jesus to be put to death.

Finally, the Roman governor Pilate gives the order for Jesus to be crucified.

· Finally, the order is given for Jesus to be crucified.

· He was beaten and hung, naked, bloodied, and exhausted, on a cross for all the world to see.

Jesus, the Son of God, was beaten and battered within an inch of his life.

There, after six hours, He finally died.

He was led to a hill and nailed to a cross.

· There, after six hours, He finally died.

Three hours after he was put on the cross, the sky grew dark.

Six hours in, Jesus cried out, bearing the weight of being abandoned by God the Father.

Shortly after that, he collapsed in death.

In that moment, the Son of God died.

· As tragic as all that is, though, that story isn’t totally unheard of. Justice goes awry all the time, and there has been many an innocent man or woman who has been put to death throughout history.

This wasn’t any normal death. It wasn’t a martyr’s death of some powerful figure who died simply as an example of courage.

· So what makes Jesus death so special?

So what makes Jesus death so special?

· Because Jesus wasn’t just any man.

Because Jesus wasn’t just any man.

This was much, much more.

· The Bible tells us this:

The Bible tells us this:

Philippians 2:5–8 CSB

Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (, NASB95)

Jesus was God in the flesh, and He humbly submitted Himself to die a horrible criminal’s death.

· Jesus was God in the flesh, and He humbly submitted Himself to die a horrible criminal’s death.

Why? Why would God do that?

· Why? Why would God do that?

““For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (, NASB95)

John 3:16 CSB

For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

God sent His son to die on the cross because He loved you!

· God sent His son to die on the cross because He loved you!

Why did he have to die?

· You might be wondering why anyone had to die in the first place.

So you and I could have hope!

· There isn’t a single person in this room who is perfect.

The Bible is clear that there isn’t a single perfect person in this room:

· In fact, the confirms that:

In fact, the confirms that:

Romans 3:23 CSB

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (, NASB95)

So, since we sin, we are separated from God. Our sin is a barrier that keeps us from knowing and serving Him freely.

· So, since we sin, we are separated from God. Our sin is a barrier that keeps us from knowing and serving Him freely.

So, since we sin, we are separated from God. Our sin is a barrier that keeps us from knowing and serving Him freely.

In fact, it’s worse than that. The Bible also says:

· In fact, it’s worse than that. The Bible also says:

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (, NASB95)

Romans 6:23 CSB

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

· If you think about earning a paycheck, what the Bible is saying is that the paycheck you and I earn for our sin is death. We deserve to die, and we are helpless to escape it on our own.

If you think about earning a paycheck, what the Bible is saying is that the paycheck you and I earn for our sin is death. We deserve to die, and we are helpless to escape it on our own.

· That’s why Jesus died:

That’s why Jesus died:

Romans 5:6–8 CSB

For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly….God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (, NASB95)

He took our death upon Himself; a death that He didn’t deserve, but that He took because He loved us.

· When the angel told the women that they were looking for the Jesus who was crucified, he pointed to the fact that Jesus had truly made the sacrifice for our sin by dying on the cross!

When the angel told the women that they were looking for the Jesus who was crucified, he pointed to the fact that Jesus had truly made the sacrifice for our sin by dying on the cross!

The angel said, “Yes, this Jesus you are looking for really was crucified and dead,” but he doesn’t stop there.

He took our death upon Himself; a death that He didn’t deserve, but that He took because He loved us.

· He took our death upon Himself; a death that He didn’t deserve, but that He took because He loved us.

Look back at verse 6…

· That truth is incredible, but it isn’t all that the angel said. Look back at verse 6…

· “He is risen…”

“He has risen!”

The women came there, ready to

· Can you imagine how confusing this would have been?

Can you imagine how confusing this would have been?

· You and your friends show up to the grave of the greatest man you have ever known, who you thought was the greatest man to ever live (and who really was, by the way), and He’s not there!

You and your friends show up to the grave of the greatest man you have ever known, who you thought was the greatest man to ever live (and who really was, by the way), and he’s not there!

Now, this angel is telling you that he has risen from the dead!

· Now, this angel is telling you that He has risen from the dead!

· Can you imagine the elation that would have been mixed with utter and complete confusion?

Can you imagine the elation that would have been mixed with utter and complete confusion?

You would want to hear those words, but it would be impossible to believe.

· What the angel said in one short phrase was the greatest news in history.

What the angel said in one short phrase was the greatest news in history.

· As amazing as Jesus’ death on the cross was, had He not been raised from the dead, it wouldn’t have meant anything.

As amazing as Jesus’ death on the cross was, had He not been raised from the dead, it wouldn’t have meant anything.

Why? Because remember, “the wages of sin is death…”().

· Why? Because remember, “the wages of sin is death…”().

Why? Because remember, “the wages of sin is death…”().

Physical death is just a symptom of our spiritual death, but sin is what causes us all to die.

· Physical death is just a symptom of our spiritual death, but sin is what causes us all to die:

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned—” (, NASB95)

Romans 5:12 CSB

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned.

Although Adam started it, we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.

· Although Adam started it, we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.

We all deserve death.

· We all deserve death.

If Jesus didn’t come back to life, then death was still our enemy!

· If Jesus didn’t come back to life, then death was still our enemy!

· That’s why Paul would say in :

But here’s the beautiful truth the angel proclaimed that morning: Jesus Christ is raised from the dead!

“For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins…If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.” (, , NASB95)

But here’s the beautiful truth the angel proclaimed that morning: Jesus Christ is raised from the dead!

· But here’s the beautiful truth the angel proclaimed that morning: Jesus Christ is raised from the dead!

That means that His death on the cross was the final payment that broke the curse of our sin. It’s what everything in the Old Testament pointed to, with all the sacrifices and everything else, and it’s what the rest of Scripture looks back on.

· That means that His death on the cross was the final payment that broke the curse of our sin. It’s what everything in the Old Testament pointed to, with all the sacrifices and everything else, and it’s what the rest of Scripture looks back on.

Jesus died and was raised to show that the penalty had been paid!

· Jesus died and was raised to show that the penalty had been paid!

He cashed your check of death, and in return, He offers you His life!

· He cashed your check of death, and in return, He offers you His life!

How crazy is that?!

· How crazy is that?!

That’s why the apostle Paul says this:

· That’s why Paul goes on to say:

1 Corinthians 15:20–22 CSB

But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.

“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.” (, NASB95)

Because Jesus is alive today, you and I have the hope that we can have eternal life.

· Because Jesus is alive today, you and I have the hope that we can have eternal life.

· In fact, He told us that those who believe in Him already have it!

In fact, He told us that those who believe in Him already have it!

John 6:47 CSB

“Truly I tell you, anyone who believes has eternal life.

““Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.” (, NASB95)

· Those who trust in Him at this moment already possess His spiritual life!

Those who trust in Him at this moment already possess His spiritual life, and it can never be taken away!

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” (, NASB95)

Ephesians 2:4–6 CSB

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,

That’s why we get so excited about Easter! It isn’t because of bunnies and chocolates and egg hunts, although those are lots of fun.

· That’s why we get so excited about Easter! It isn’t because of bunnies and chocolates and egg hunts, although those are lots of fun.

· Instead, it’s because the day that Jesus rose, He shouted loud and clear that death was done for!

Instead, it’s because the day that Jesus rose, He shouted loud and clear that death was done for!

Spiritually, those who have committed their lives to Him live right now, and one day, we will be physically raised with Him as well!

· Spiritually, those who have committed their lives to Him live right now, and one day, we will be physically raised with Him as well!

The reality of Christ’s death and resurrection is too good for us to keep to ourselves.

· The reality of Christ’s death and resurrection is too good for us to keep to ourselves.

That’s why the angel didn’t just stop with telling them that Jesus was raised. Look at verse 7…

· That’s why the angel didn’t just stop with telling them that Jesus was raised. Look at verse 7…

The final reality that we learn from the angel is…

· The final reality that we learn from the angel is…

Isn’t it interesting that the first thing they are told to do is go tell?

· Isn’t it interesting that the first thing they are told to do is go tell?

· Listen to me: this is the most incredible story in the history of the world. It doesn’t get any better than this!

Listen to me: this is the most incredible story in the history of the world. It doesn’t get any better than this!

· Why in the world wouldn’t we want to tell everyone that we come into contact with?

Why in the world wouldn’t we want to tell everyone that we come into contact with?

· Did you notice their reaction?

Did you notice their reaction?

· Look at verse 8…

Look at verse 8…

They were too afraid to tell anyone.

· They were too afraid to tell anyone.

· Now, keep in mind where we are in history.

Now, keep in mind where we are in history.

· In first-century Jewish society, they didn’t trust the word of women.

In first-century Jewish society, they didn’t trust the word of women.

(That’s completely wrong, by the way)

· (That’s completely wrong, by the way)

· The testimony of even a group of women was not admissible in court, so even though they had seen an angel from heaven tell them that Christ was risen from the dead, they kept it to themselves out of fear.

The testimony of even a group of women was not admissible in court, so even though they had seen an angel from heaven tell them that Christ was risen from the dead, they kept it to themselves out of fear.

Did someone invite you this morning? You know why they did that? Because they loved you so much that they wanted you to know the story that changes their lives.

· For a lot of us, we may be in the same boat. We are afraid to tell people about the story.

They didn’t do that because of some extra bonus credit they get with God; they invited you because they wanted you to have hope.

Jesus is risen, and we want you to know him.

Many of us are just like the women that morning, though. We are afraid to tell people about the story.

It may not be because we aren’t considered trustworthy, though.

· It may not be because we aren’t considered trustworthy, though.

· If anything, it might be the opposite. Maybe you think that in too high a position, and that if you tell people that you follow Jesus, you’ll lose your standing.

If anything, it might be the opposite. Maybe you think that in too high a position, and that if you tell people that you follow Jesus, you’ll lose your standing.

· Maybe you’re worried about people getting angry at you or hurting someone’s feelings.

Maybe you’re worried about people getting angry at you or hurting someone’s feelings.

· Perhaps you’re scared that they are going to ask you a question that you can’t answer.

Perhaps you’re scared that they are going to ask you a question that you can’t answer.

· Maybe, in your own heart, there are still doubts and questions you have this morning that keep you from sharing.

Maybe, in your own heart, there are still doubts and questions you have this morning that keep you from sharing.

· I don’t know what the fear is, but I do know this: on the authority of the Word of God, and on the testimony of thousands throughout history and many if not most in this room, we know that the tomb is empty.

I don’t know what the fear is, but I do know this: on the authority of the Word of God, and on the testimony of thousands throughout history and many if not most in this room, we know that the tomb is empty.

Jesus truly did die to take your sin and pay the debt you owed.

· Jesus truly did die to take your sin and pay the debt you owed.

He didn’t stay dead, though, as He rose from the grave to prove that sin had been defeated once and for all, finally and fully.

· He didn’t stay dead, though, as He rose from the grave to prove that sin had been defeated once and for all, finally and fully.

Today, He offers you life. He gives you everything you need to live a life pleasing to Him if you are just willing to surrender control.

· Today, He offers you life. He gives you everything you need to live a life pleasing to Him if you are just willing to surrender control.

If you will turn from living life your way to turn to following Him, the Bible tells us that you genuinely will be saved.

· If you will turn from living life your way to turn to following Him, the Bible tells us that you genuinely will be saved.

If you have been saved, celebrate His life by telling someone about it!

· If you have been saved, celebrate His life by telling someone about it!

Risen (Easter 2018)

1. Jesus was dead.

1. Jesus was dead.

2. Jesus isn’t dead.

2. Jesus rose from the dead.

3. Jesus wants us to share.

3. We have to say something.