The Results of the Resurrection!

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What is the single most important event in human history?

Without question, without hesitation the answer is unequivocally, THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD!

Not everyone agrees with my statement. However, if you are a follower of Christ, you cannot come to any other conclusion. Listen to the powerful words of the Apostle Paul.

1 Corinthian 15:12-20 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 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. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Get Paul’s point? Without the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, you and I have no hope of an eternal resurrection. Literally, Jesus’ resurrection is our ONE and ONLY hope.

This is why we make such a big deal about EASTER - better named - Resurrection Sunday! Every Sunday is a celebration of the Christ resurrecting from the dead - He was raised on the first day of the week and so the church gathers on the first day of the week to celebrate this glorious truth. That is one reason why weekly church attendance is so important.

But one a year we make a big deal about Christ’s beating death and rising from the grave!

We celebrate this in part because of the glorious benefit we receive from it - the promise of our eternal life IN CHRIST!

But are there other reasons we should celebrate the resurrection of Christ?

Every Easter we recite this phrase...

“Christ Has Risen, He Has Risen Indeed!”

So What?

Well, there are implications for this life as well and that is what I want you to notice from Matthew chapter 28. We are going to do a “fly over” of this amazing last chapter of Matthew’s gospel.

And what I hope you will discover with me is...

Main Idea - You Are Forever Changed By the Power of the Resurrection!

What kind of an impact will the Resurrection of Jesus have on your life?

How will the Resurrection change you?

Well, the resurrection will, according to this chapter, result in three specific areas of change - Worship, Truth, and Purpose!

1. His Resurrection Turns You Into An Authentic Worshiper (vs. 1-10)

People are built by God to worship. However, since the Fall of Adam and Eve, we still worship, just the wrong things. The bottom line is Since the Fall of mankind, we worship ourselves.

But the resurrection changed all this...

The horrific crucifixion is over, Jesus was buried, and now, Sunday morning the lady disciples went to the tomb early in the morning to finish the embalming they started before the Sabbath kept them from finishing.

They were not going in faith that Jesus was raised from the dead. They were going out of obligation to prepare the dead body of Jesus.

The Ladies went to the Tomb And Got More Thank They Expected (vs. 1-6)

Matt 28:1-6 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 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

Scene One - Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb after the Sabbath in the morning of the first day of the week.

Change Scene - An Angel shakes things up and scares the hardened roman soldiers to death - like so scared they passed out! Like they were dead!

The Frightening Angel comforts the women with the truth regarding their Jesus! What is the truth? This supernatural, fearsome, frightening being said some of the most beautiful and powerful words ever uttered. “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see (let me prove it to you) the place where he lay.”

Believe me friends, these ladies didn’t expect this situation that Sunday morning so long ago.

The Angel gives these ladies a job...

Clear Instructions - Go and Tell (vs. 7-8)

Matt 28:7-8 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.

When Meeting The Resurrected Christ Worship Results (vs. 9-10)

Matt 28:9-10 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.”

When Jesus saw his friends, He greeted them!

The ladies response to seeing Christ is telling - Worship. The worship He accepts which proves His deity.

Jesus is more than worthy of your worship.

Remember, you are a worshipper!

You cannot divide human beings into those who worship and those who don't. Everybody worships; it's just a matter of what, or whom, we serve. Paul David Tripp.

What will you do with Jesus? If you are truly His, you will worship Him authentically.

Review - You Are Forever Changed By the Power of the Resurrection!

His Resurrection Turns You Into An Authentic Worshiper

Transition - There is another way we are transformed because of the resurrection...

2. His Resurrection Empowers You to Stand for Truth! (vs. 11-15)

Okay, so this next scene in our story changes back to the guards. Remember the guards that were scared to death? Well, apparently they woke up and headed into town to tell their story.

Remember, a Roman soldier would be imprisoned or killed if they failed at their post. So they had a lot riding on this communication they were about to have.

There is something very important that you need to see...

A Truthful Report on What Happened (vs. 11)

Matthew 28: 11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place.

Please understand the guards knew the truth because they were there and they told the priest the truth because that is what the text says.

But notice what happens next...

A Reasonable Lie to Cover-up the Truth (vs. 12-15)

Matthew 28:12-15 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

The guard’s motive - save their skin (this solution did not make them look good however).

The priest’s motive - a desire to hold on to their power structure. They wanted the concept of Jesus to Go away!

The bottom line - they lied about the resurrection and their reasons were temporal.

What do I mean? They failed to think through the eternal implications of their rejection and dishonesty regarding this event.

There is a warning for those of you who continue to reject the eternal significance of the resurrection for temporary pleasure and gain. Be careful! Your rejection has eternal consequences!

Now, contrast Roman guards and the Priests with the Apostles who gave their lives - literally for the truth of the resurrection. No one gives their lives for a lie...

“I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren't true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn't keep a lie for three weeks. You're telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible!” - Charles Colson

True believers in the resurrection of Christ will stand for the truth of the resurrection.

How does one stand for this truth?

Tell others about it - not fearful of their response.

Review - You Are Forever Changed By the Power of the Resurrection!

His Resurrection Turns You Into An Authentic Worshiper

His Resurrection Empowers You to Stand for Truth!

Transition - One last change that happens as a result of the resurrection.

3. His Resurrection Provides You With Inspiring Purpose (vs. 16-20)

Every person struggles with this philosophical question about themselves. Why am I here? What is this life all about? What is my purpose?

Well, I have some very good news to every follower of Christ here this morning.

You are loved.

This life is about loving and serving God and others.

And your purpose in one way or another is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Well, the ladies got the message to the guys and the 11 disciples went to meet with Jesus per His instruction...

Please notice this interesting observation about disciples...

Disciples Doubt (vs. 16-17)

Matthew 28:16-17 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.

Again, just like with the women, they saw Jesus and they worshipped Him.

However, some of the disciples doubted. What?

Well, just know this, there will be seasons in your life when you will doubt. I mean Jesus stood right in front of them and still some doubted.

Just don’t stay in the doubt zone - and the best way for the believer to get out of the doubt zone is to invest in other, newer believers. When you share what you know to be true about Jesus with others, it revitalizes what you believe.

Jesus is the Boss (vs. 18)

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Disciples Go (vs. 19-20)

Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

“When you realize God’s purpose for your life isn’t just about you, He will use you in a mighty way.” Dr. Tony Evans

70% of Michigan GARB churches are in decline or closing.

Why is this happening?

Perhaps churches are closing because they have forgotten their purpose. Perhaps people are walking away and deconstructing from because they are not doing what God has expressly given them to do?

But if you realize that you have the opportunity to invest in others around you for their eternal well being! Man, that is purpose!

(e.g. MattSmith, The Carrells, etc.)

Review - You Are Forever Changed By the Power of the Resurrection!

His Resurrection Turns You Into An Authentic Worshiper

His Resurrection Empowers You to Stand for Truth!

His Resurrection Provides You With Inspiring Purpose

Transition - There is a question that everyone must come to grips with. What will you do with the resurrection of Jesus?

If there was no resurrection, there is no hope.

But if Jesus rise from the dead! Whoah! You and I are forever changed by this power!

Albert B. Smith (1905)

Jesus is standing in Pilate’s hall -

Friendless, forsaken, betrayed by all;

Hearken! What meaneth the sudden call?

What will you do with Jesus?

What will you do with Jesus?

Neutral you cannot be;

Someday your heart will be asking,

“What will He do with me?” - Albert B. Smith

There is a question that is found in the book of Revelation. The question is, Who is Worthy to open the Scrolls?

I’d like to read this passage for you. (Angie to play while I read)

Revelation 5 (ESV)

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” 6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I, with the Apostle John, submit to you that there is only One worthy. He is worthy because He resurrected from the dead.

Jesus is the only one worthy!

Song...

Connection Group Reflection Questions

Why is the resurrection crucial for our faith?

What does worship have to do with the Resurrection of Jesus?

What can you learn from verses 11-15 about standing or not standing for the truth of the Resurrection of Jesus?

Everyone is looking for purpose and meaning. How does the Resurrection of Jesus provide meaningful purpose to your life?

What steps can you take to live a Resurrected life this week?