Resurrection Sunday

Matthew 27:15–26 NKJV

15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. 19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” 23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” 24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” 25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

What Will You Do With Jesus, Who Is Called Christ?

Do you want Barabbas or Jesus?

Barabbas represented what was popular for the Jews

He was not particularly holy - but he fought for what they wanted — the end of Roman rule

Not a religious man - but they chose him for political power and convenience---

not unlike what many people do today --

consider how the nominal church has become entangled in politics - and chosen champions who are neither religious nor holy- for the sake of power, or convenience

But what will they do with Jesus?

What do we have to do with Jesus when we choose the “Barabbas’s” of our day?

Barabbas - a hero of the cause - a means to an end -

But what will you do with Jesus?

The Chief Priests and Elders Persuaded the People

Who persuades you and why?

Most of us are persuaded by something or someone -

Who has the most influence and power over you --

Is it Jesus? Or the culture around you?

Is it Jesus? Or you spouse of family?

Is it Jesus? Or your circumstances or problems?

Is it Jesus? Or your lusts and desires?

Is it Jesus? Or is it your Friends and co-workers

If your answer is anything other than Jesus — what will you do with Jesus?

This Is the Question Every One Of Us Has To Answer

When you are faced with temptation, what will you do with Jesus?

When you are faced with fear or doubt

When you choose your friends

When you plan your future

He Released Barabbas And Delivered Jesus To Be Crucified

The criminal was released - becasue it was more convenient

Which nature are you releasing?

The bible says don’t you know that whoever you yield yourselves to obey - his servants you are...

In John Chapter 8, Jesus was clear that the Jews sought to kill Him — becasue His word had not place in their hearts

And Jesus was delivered to be Crucified

Lift up your heads oh Ye gates!

Centuries of prophecies were fulfilled

God takes the wise in their own craftiness

even in their evil sin, they fulfilled what God had declared long ago — not a Word would fail

He descended into hell

Preached the gospel to the dead, Led captivity captive

Entered the most holy place.

Psalm 24:7–10 NKJV

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah

He is not here, He is risen!

Then He returned just like He said.

Christ is alive today and forever more

He had won this great victory for us!

John 20:19–23 NKJV

19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Peace to You, as the father has sent me…

Peace… As the father has sent me…

. We are now also sent

We are not powerless

We have great authority

We are His ambassador, as though God spoke through us.

Whose sins ye remit, are remitted

Think about this

Be not faithless but believe.

He went on to speak this to Thomas - and to you and I

Blessed are those who have not seen yet believe.

Matthew 28:18–19 NKJV

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

All authority is given to me! Go

Now, we have authority.

Go

Teach and observe.

He is with you always.