Resurrection

Big Idea: The centerpiece of the Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The fact that Jesus rose from the dead gives hope to His followers that since death was defeated, then there is nothing that cannot be overcome. As believers, we identify with Jesus in His death by dying to our old self, and being raised to new life.

Prayer: “Some days are so dark it can feel like the end of the rope. Remind us God, that you have the power to change everything. We need the resurrection of Jesus to be a reality in our lives. Bring life where there is death. Bring order where there is chaos. Bring hope where there is despair.”

Scripture: Luke 24, Job 38-42, 1 Corinthians 15:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:20,

Introduction

It’s EASTER Sunday, He is Risen!

If you’re a new believer you should know that Easter is far and away the most important Christian day of remembrance. It’s a day when we celebrate the empty tomb and Christ's resurrection from the dead! We have the benefit of knowing how the story ended 2000 years ago, but for those first disciples much of what they experienced was earth shaking, deeply painful, disappointment.

His disciples were excited Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem in their mind he was on his way to become king. He had promised them that he would set up his kingdom and they knew that this was the time it was finally coming. See the Jews believed that he was going to go and replace David is the greatest king of all time Jesus made the promises they are believing that he is lord. They go through Holy Week They dine together and then he his

You see, there were many who believed that the Messiah would come as a conqueror and re-establish the Jewish nation by overthrowing all her enemies. Historically speaking, many thought the Messiah would be a king like David or Joshua… So you can imagine the disillusionment when Jesus didn’t even put up a fight on the night He was arrested.

And if this wasn’t bad enough, Jesus died...alone, crucified, and humiliated on a Roman Cross.

It would be impossible to imagine how devastated and disappointed those early disciples were. In fact, I can’t even think of an illustration or example to share with you to say, “It was like this…” The truth is, it was horrible.

Actually, it was worse than horrible… it was hopeless.

Thankfully, hopeless isn’t where the story ends. Let’s pick things up today in Luke 24.

The Tomb Was And Is Empty

Luke 24:1–6 ESV

1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,

“He is not here; he has risen!” What do you think the women were thinking at this moment? Bewilderment is probably an understatement, but it’s a good start. Thankfully the angels who were also at the tomb remind them that Jesus said he must, “be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” And from there, the women were so excited they ran back to tell everyone else.

Like I said earlier, we know how this story ends and how things play out… but the empty tomb is worth noting. It’s worth getting excited about and it’s definitely worth telling others. The empty tomb is and will always be a definitive reminder that the body of Christ is gone.

That He has indeed risen and He’s alive!

This truth is so important that the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian church;

1 Corinthians 15:13–14 ESV

13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.

If the tomb isn’t empty, then everything we’re doing here today is pointless. But if it is empty, and Jesus is alive, then we’ve all got something to get excited about.

Hearts Ablaze

Later on in Luke 24 we pick up the story with 2 disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus;

English Standard Version Chapter 24

13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad.

The story goes on, Jesus asks more questions and eventually the disciples convince Jesus to stay with them for the night in Emmaus;

Luke 24:29–31 ESV

29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.

Luke 24:32–33 ESV

32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,

An encounter like this will set the heart ablaze. The absolute joy and excitement these disciples must’ve felt to know their Savior was alive is hard to imagine. But here’s the thing, it got them moving. In fact, they got up that hour and headed back to Jerusalem to share their experience with the rest of the disciples.

Just like the women who encountered Jesus at the empty tomb, these guys went immediately to share the good news.

And what news is so good that it sends grown adults running?

That Christ lives!

That He kept His promise and came back.

All the Promises

As the disciples return from Emmaus they learn that Jesus also appeared to Simon. Then, as they’re all talking together Jesus appears in their midst and asks for something to eat… He says to all of them;

Luke 24:44–45 ESV

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

Okay, so how amazing would it be to do a Bible study with Jesus? Even better if He opened your mind to understand the scriptures. Look at what Luke records happening here; Jesus says, “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” A couple dozen years later the Apostle Paul reflects on this by giving us one of the most amazing summaries of the resurrection. He says;

2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV

20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

All the promises, every one of them, find their “YES” in Christ. And through Him, we shout AMEN! To the glory of God. Some of my favorite promises are;

● Redemption from sin

● Reconciliation with the Father

● Peace and rest

● Healing/Wholeness

● An eternal home

● No more tears, pain, or sickness

● Constant presence

● Friendship

● Life from death

Life from Death

It’s a paradox, but from Jesus’ death comes new life. And not just breathing, not just skimping by, but abundant thriving. Fullness of life.

Even through your darkest night.

Through your pain, brokenness, and sin.

Through your striving, planning, and controlling.

Christ redeems it all, uses it all, and sees it all.

To illustrate this point I want to jump into the story of Job, found in the Old Testament. If you’re not familiar with the general premise, Job is a righteous man with a thriving family. Through a series of events he loses everything and even his friends begin accusing him of having some hidden sin that he needs to confess. Their conclusion is that this must be the cause for Job’s misfortune. But Job continues to assert his innocence and demands a “hearing with God” where he can plead his case.

Well, he eventually gets what he asks for. God comes to speak directly to Job and it’s terrifying - awe inspiring - and gracious. (cf. Job 38-42)

About half way through the discourse Job says;

“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You?

I place my hand over my mouth.

I have spoken once, but I have no answer—

twice, but I have nothing to add.” Job 40:4-5

And then, finally, Job says something absolutely breathtaking;

Job 42:2–6 ESV

2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 4 ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ 5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; 6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

Job thought he had heard and learned all he needed to know of God. Through his pain, suffering, and loss he’d made assumptions and even accusations against the Creator of the universe. But what he thought he knew of God changed when he came face to face with Him and had his eyes opened to the majesty and providence of the Lord in every facet of life.

And he says, “I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

What Job is communicating here is this… I was wrong and now I see. I take comfort here in the dust and ashes, the rubble of my life.

Job was only able to say that because he had an encounter with the living God.

And the encounter changed his perspective and even the trajectory of his life.

The story ends with God restoring all that Job had lost plus more! More sons, more daughters, more livestock, more respect and honor in his community.

God gave Job abundant life, and raised him from the ashes of destruction.

Conclusion/Application

As we close out another Easter and draw an end to our series, I want to ask you to reflect on the past several weeks we’ve grown in the faith and knowledge of Jesus together.

We’ve just barely cracked the door and gazed upon the Savior. His temptation, humility, sacrifice, prayer, and resurrection. You could spend a lifetime getting to know Jesus and never grow weary of it.

He is the source, the promise, the way, the truth, and the life.

Commit your life to Him today.

Rise up, dust off the ashes, and take a step of faith towards the Savior of all mankind.

He’s ready for you.

Let’s pray together.

(Pastor, thank you for sharing the good news of Christ with your congregation. Our prayer is that your church will experience a deeper relationship and understanding of Christ through this series. May God bless you, keep you, and may His face shine upon you in this season of ministry.)