The Day the World Changed

It begins with an ending

Matthew 28:1 ESV

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.

Opening remarks: on this Easter Sunday we are reminded in a new way of the importance of what this day means. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest event of world history and it is the cornerstone of our faith, for if Christ did not rise then we are of all men most miserable, says the Apostle Paul. The resurrection is what distinguishes Christianity from all other religions. Buddha is dead and in the grave. Muhammed is dead and in the grave. Confuisus is dead and in the grave. But in a tomb in the city of Jerusalem there is a sign that reads: He is not here he is risen!

the old is done away - “Now after the Sabbath” this is a play on words. Before the new could come the old had to be dealt with.

Heb.

Hebrews 10:9 ESV

then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second.

2. the old is done away in our lives as well - before we can ever start new we must see the end of who we are

Romans 7:6 ESV

But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.

3. The ladies coming to the tomb

A New Day had come

A. they were coming to see death ( a tomb)

B. they were coming in sorrow

C. they were coming with no hope

Luke 24:21 ESV

But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.

Luke 24:

Was Because A New Day Had Come

Luke 1:78–79 ESV

because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Luke 1:

This day would forever change everyday that was to come

It changed our direction

It changed our life

it changed the way we live

It can change you today!

The day the world changed - Had supernatural events

Matthew 28:2 ESV

And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.

Matthew 28:

First supernatural event was an earthquake - When Jesus died the earth shook and now when arose from the dead the earth shakes as well. One of the reasons this happened might be found in

Romans 8:21–22 ESV

that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

Romans

2. the Second supernatural event was the appearance of an angel

Matthew 28:2–4 ESV

And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.

Mt. 28:2-

A. his action - opened the door and sat on it

B. his appearance -

C. his effect - on the guards

D. his words

Matthew 28:5–7 ESV

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

Mt 28:

1) he spoke words of peace

2) he spoke words of understanding - “I know that you seek Jesus that was crucified”

3) he spoke words of wonder, these are possibly the greatest words ever spoken

“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.”

E. Do we understand the significance of this?

The world changed - was because of the appearance of our risen Lord

Matthew 28:8–9 ESV

So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.

he came first to those who were devoted to him

he came close to them - Christ is not a distant Lord, He draws close to us

he came for the sake of others - to see the disciples and to commission them to tell us