The Resurrection Speaks
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Introduction
Introduction
Good Morning Church! And, good morning to those who are making First Baptist Church your place of worship this Easter Sunday.
Today is a very special day. Not only for us who are here this morning, and those joining us online, but for the entire world. The reason is because — HE LIVES! JESUS HAS RISEN! Just a week ago, those in Jerusalem were welcoming our Lord. Just a few days ago, Jesus endured mocking on our behalf. He endured a very intense flogging — that was for our behalf. Jesus made his way to Calvary where He suffered greatly and endured hours of extreme pain begin crucified on a cross. That was also for us.
Jesus suffered greatly for the sins of the world. He died for our sins and was buried. And today, Easter Sunday, the grave could not hold him, death could not hold Jesus. Through the power of God — Jesus was resurrected!
Our passage this morning comes from a very famous passage in the book of Matthew. It begins on a glorious morning where two woman make their way where Jesus was laid to rest, just a short time ago. It’s hard to imagine what they could have been feeling. Their hearts could have been heavy, knowing the fact that they were separated from their beloved teacher and leader. He was their diving Lord! As we’ll read in just a few moments, Jesus’ resurrection even surprised them! In the first century, the resurrection spoke to them. And, today, in our modern world the resurrection continues to speak.
That’s the title of our message on this Easter Sunday — The Resurrection Speaks. Open up the Word of God to the 28th Chapter of Matthew, and lets begin reading in verse #1.
1 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.
2 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.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.
5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’
7 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.”
8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Pastoral Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
[Display Verse 1]
In verse 1 we hear of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary making their way to the tomb where Jesus was laid to rest. The two Marys would have been travailing in a similar sense of when we travel to visit a loved one who has transitioned to eternity. It’s quite possible their hearts were still full and heavy. The timeline is still short. We’re at the dawn of the third day (the day is just beginning). It’s also possible they are still feeling the sense of separation from Jesus.
[Display Verse 2]
When we come to verse 2, we hear about a “great earth-quake.” Earth quakes happen all the time. The last earth quake that happened in our State was back on July 30th. It was a 3.7 magnitude earth quake. That’s enough for a person to sit up and take notice when the dishes and glasses start falling out of the cabinet. Earth quakes in this area are not uncommon. There’s no way we could know the precise magnitude of the “great earth quake” that morning. The word “great” suggests what was felt that morning was something significant.
The second half of verse 2 would have been a sight to see — “an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone.” All this information paints a vivid picture for us, but it’s reasonable to say it doesn't do it justice of the wave of emotions these two ladies could have been feeling. As if the earth quake wasn’t enough, now there’s an angle rolling back the stone! Everyone who’s there at the tomb felt the earth quake and seen the angle.
[Display Verse 4]
The Bible tells us “the guards trembled and became like dead men!” But notice one thing … the ladies are still standing after all that’s just happened. These back-to-back events would be enough to bake anyone noodle. The two ladies are standing there morning the loss of Jesus, just experienced an earth quake, seeing an angel of the Lord rolling the stone back that blocks the entrance to the tomb. Verse 5 is Huge.
[Display Verse 5]
There are two points to talk about here. First, the angle knows the reason why the two ladies are here. The second is about comfort. Notice what the angle says, “to the women, do not be afraid.” This is great. The angle is trying to relax some nerves, feelings and perhaps some anxiety sprinkled in there.
Think about a time when you’ve visited a friend, neighbor or family member and they weren’t home. Now, think back to the time before cell phones and no texting. You roll up on their door step, you see their car out front, you knock on the door (or ring the door bell) — and no answer. We could begin thinking, where are they? This morning the door is wide open. But Jesus is not there. Notice what the angle says in verse 6:
6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
The angel has just confirmed to the two Marys “He is not there.” The angle of the Lord also gives them reason why he is not there — “for he has risen, as he said.” The third point in this verse is followed up with an invitation to verify for themselves. This allowed the two ladies to experience something tangible, being inside a physical place taking in all the sights and scents. At this moment, the resurrection of Jesus Christ spoke volumes to these two women.
The resurrection spoke in the first century, and the resurrection speaks today! One obvious question could be — what does the resurrection of Jesus have to say to us today?
One way the resurrection of Jesus speaks to us in our modern world (as it did at this time) is the resurrection speaks of a living Lord. It wasn’t Jesus’ death that proved his mission. The resurrection is a significant world event that forever changed the face of humanity. The resurrection of Jesus is about proof. If you’ve been on the fence about Jesus, it is my hope what the resurrection is about and does helps to satisfy your questions. If Jesus had remained in the tomb and returned to dust, our lost state and darkness would not change. There would be no hope for deliverance from sin and death. The second point had Jesus not returned from the dead, all this stuff we find and read about in the Bible would be considered a lie.
There are many well known gods (little g) in the world that span our history books. If you turn to a browser, you’ll be able to find some easily. Between these other little-g gods and messiahs, there is one difference between them and Jesus. With exception of Jesus, all others remain in the grave. When they died, they died. There was no coming back.
On the other hand, Jesus came back! Death and the grave could not hold him. Jesus’ resurrection was His triumph. For or those who questioned in the first century, proof was established. It showed Jesus was exactly who He claimed to be! But it didn’t stop there. Think about the disciples. They knew Jesus was dead, and seeing Him upright and walking could have been one of those thoughts far from their mined.
Verse 9 is where we learned Jesus met them and greeted the disciples even saying “greetings.”
[Display Verse 10]
In verse ten we see the same words the angel spoke to the two Marys, “do not be afraid.” This time Jesus is saying these words of comfort to the disciples. A person could say, “of course the resurrection is true — Jesus ‘appeared’ to those closest to him, why wouldn’t they vouch for him.” Acts Chapter 1 talks about the “many proofs” of Jesus presenting himself as alive. The apostle Paul wrote about how Jesus appeared to hundreds (you can read about the in 1 Corinthians 15). There is no fact in all recorded history more certain than this: Jesus lives!
Since 1 Corinthians 15 was mentioned. Paul goes into quite a discussion about how the resurrection speaks. He does say in:
17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.
This goes to show the resurrection speaks about our redemption. Our sin comes at an enormous price. Greater than any one person could ever pay back, except Jesus. Jesus is the only who can fully pay for carrying cost of sin. But, because of God’s great love for us, he gave his one and only son to take the punishment we deserve. God has gone through a great length to redeem His people, showing His great love and compassion expressed through His son.
Jesus Christ is the giver, the gift, the offerer, the offering, the redeemer and our redemption. It is only through Jesus that a person can truly be freed from the bondage of sin and death. Jesus is our everything. Jesus can be your everything! If Jesus has not risen, our cornerstone is taken out. The hope of redemption, the hope of salvation, the hope of eternal life evaporates. That means that would have been build on Jesus essentially crashes to the ground.
Jesus’ resurrection gives us a true foundation to build. For us, the resurrection speaks to a foundation of hope. We all know the importance of building a strong true foundation. Jesus is our foundation. When we speak of hope, the word hope points to a future. For the believer, hope points to a life, an eternal life with God. It points to a life beyond the grave. That’s what hope is all about. It proclaims with finality that life on this rock and life beyond the grave continues. Yes, there is a transition from life in these earth suits to life in the spirit. This means, as believers, we are never separated from God. That’s because of Jesus.
In the 11th Chapter of John, we can pick up on a conversation taking place between Martha and Jesus. They’re talking about Martha’s brother. In verses 25 and 26, notice what our Lord says,
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
The physical death we’ll experience is only the check point. According to the Word of God, you have assurance from Jesus life goes on. How do we know this for sure? There are three points in this one single verse. Look closely with me at the middle of verse 25 and 26. There are thee important words — “believes in me.” That’s it. Yes, it’s that simple to have eternal life. Believe in Jesus. He did all this for us, for you. And, as the last four words of verse 26 says, “do you believe this?”
Jesus Christ was given to you by God. Jesus suffered at the hands of the Romans. Jesus was nailed to a cross for our sin. Our sin held him there. Jesus bled and died for our sin. Jesus was submitted to a tomb that lost its grip on him. And on the third day, Easter, Jesus rose from the dead.
Application
Application
Our application is two fold. The voice of the Holy Spirit is active and speaking to the followers of the living Lord, Jesus Christ. To paraphrase verse 7, it would be, “go quickly and tell … that he has risen from the dead.” That is glorious news. Share the news with your family members, share it with friends, share it on social media. Share how the resurrection speaks!
If you’re not yet a believer in Jesus Christ, the resurrection speaks to you today. Because He lives, you live. Perhaps you’ve noticed this sin problem in you life. That sin is what’s separating you from God. Jesus can take that sin. He is the only one who can lift the stain. And, believe me when I say this, He’s truly stronger than Oxy-clean. Jesus can take that sin you have. Jesus can take that brokenness you’re feeling. He does this because He loves you. Do you want healing from that sin, from that brokenness? Do you want hope? Jesus can be your healing. Jesus can be your hope. What’s stopping you today from coming forward in belief?
Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer