Who Needs the Resurrection?

Who needs the Resurrection?

(Those who are dead!)

Let’s look at three individuals that are highlighted alongside Jesus in the account of his crucifixion. I want to use these brief snapshots to illustrate that we are all in need of the resurrection. We find ourselves in each of these stories.

These three have had the experience of this final week in Jesus’ life before the crucifixion. They observed the triumphant entry, they saw Jesus clear the temple, confront the Pharisee’s, they were with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, they witnessed the betrayal of Judas, the arrest, the flogging, the brutal treatment of their friend and leader— they were there when they crucified our Lord.

They represent the “failure”, the “follower” and “friend” in Jesus’ story.

Peter- A Failure

Peter has had quite a ride the last week. Peter followed Jesus for 3 years, he is a part of the inner circle. In addition to experiencing all the earlier events in the week,

He makes a fuss about the foot washing. John 13:8

He cut off a persons ear. John 18:10

He denies Jesus three times. Luke 22:54-60

He weeps. Luke 22:61-62

Luke 22:61–62 NIV

61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Peter must have felt a tremendous sense of failure. He has not been faithful, he has not stood with Jesus to the end. He was cowardly.

John- A Follower

John is sometimes portrayed as Jesus’ closest follower. He was certainly in the inner circle of 3, with a view of things that the others may not have seen.

John flees, but then follows the mob. John 18:15.

John lets Peter in to the courtyard of the high priest’s house. John 18:16.

John is present at the cross and is instructed to care for Mary. John 19:26-27

John 19:26–27 NIV

26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Mary Magdalene- A Friend

Mary is a close friend of Jesus. Luke 8:2

Jesus cast seven demons out of her. Mark 16:9

Present at the foot of the cross, she anoints Jesus’ body with spices after he dies. Mark 16:1

A failure, a follower, and a friend. We all can relate, right?

Without the resurrection, the story ends.

The failure never finds forgiveness.

The follower is left to wander aimlessly.

The friend is simply abandoned at the grave.

1 Corinthians 15:14 NIV

14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.

1 Corinthians 15:19 (NIV)

19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

If this is where the story ends— I guess that’s a pretty sad story, isn’t it?

With the resurrection, the story continues.

1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

The failure finds forgiveness, restoration, and a future.

John 21:17 NIV

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

Peter would then go on to be one of the most prolific and powerful leaders of the church. He is anointed with wisdom, courage and strength to teach, admonish and proclaim the Glory of God.

The follower finds a purpose to live for.

1 John 1:3 NIV

3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

John also goes on to be a powerful leader in the church, writing the Gospel of John, his letters 1, 2, 3rd John, and don’t forget about Revelation.

The friend finds a powerful story to tell.

John 20:15–16 NIV

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Mary is then instructed by Jesus to go and tell the others. What a message to carry! She is often recognized as the first evangelist! The first and honored person to communicate the GOOD NEWS for the entire world.

What will your story be?

In many ways, you and I can relate with all three— The Failure, the Follower, and the Friend.

I hope that we will be able to tell our failure, and forgiveness story. Our Follower and Purpose story, our life would tell the story.

What does the resurrection of Jesus really mean to you? We actually are going to begin a segment in our services for you to briefly tell a part of your story— we’re looking for testimonies that will encourage and challenge us.

For me, the resurrection is the culmination of God’s story. it’s the ending of the story of Jesus here on earth in person, but it’s also the beginning of the story for the Holy Spirit, the Church, and for you and me. It is exactly what this world so desperately needs— hope. Josh McDowell once said:

“No matter how devastating our struggles, disappointments, and troubles are, they are only temporary. No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good.”

Josh McDowell

It gives us Hope. It is the demonstration that God’s kingdom really has been launched on the earth! The message of Easter Sunday is that God’s kingdom is real, and that you’re now invited to belong to it.

Peter would go on to write his own letter to us, and right in the beginning he communicates one of the most powerful truths:

1 Peter 1:3–4 ESV

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

That is the key that you and I are given when we trust Jesus. This master key, opens the locks on the chains of despair, frustration, hopelessness.

We will sing the song later— but Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a wonderful song—

Because He lives

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive; He lived and died to buy my pardon, An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Chorus Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!