The Call of the Resurrection

Matthew 28:1–9 (ESV)

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 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. 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.

The Resurrection is all about change. God took the worst possible situation – the death of His Son – turned it around, used it for good and changed the world.

The Resurrection changed history – Every time you write a date, the focal point is Jesus.

Every time you write A.D. or B.C. you’re acknowledging that the Resurrection of Christ split history. – In fact, it’s the most important event in all of history.

More than that it is still changing individual lives like mine, like yours, today.

This is an amazing story – amazing, but true – God came to earth as a man, died on the cross, and rose from the dead on the third day, just for you and for me.

- The story has been told thousands of times over, and most of us know it by heart.

- The question for us today is, how do we respond to the call of the resurrection of Christ? Today I would like to make a few observations as we commemorate this Holy Day…First

You Are Called to Give Testimony of the Resurrected Christ (v.7)

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.”

A. The Angel explains to those visiting the sepulcher that Jesus was no longer there because He had risen. Just as he had already said he would. Here is the testimony . . .

· Jesus died

· Jesus Rose

· Jesus Lives

· And He’s coming back*

Mark 14:62 (ESV)

And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

John 14:3 (ESV)

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

B. He is no fable. This is no myth.

· There was no bunny that died for me

· Peter Cottontail had nothing to do with my salvation

· But it was the blood that is drawn from Emmanuel’s Vein

· This is real! God Raised Him on the Third day Morning.

C. With that same power God resurrected Jesus from the Grave He is still resurrecting lives right now. Hopeless lives, troubled lives, fractured lives; distraught whatever the case God has the power to resurrect your life.

ILLUS: In the movie “Basic” John Travolta was part of an elite group which shared the running phase, “Tell the story right” They wanted to make sure that each individual who knew the story told the same story and that there was no contradiction. Everyone told the same thing. Likewise we as Believer’s are to “tell the story right”. There should be no doubt about what we believe.

Transition: What story are you telling?

Application: Teach our children about Jesus. Tell the lost about Jesus. Remind each other that Jesus is the Resurrected One. His death, burial and resurrection was for our redemption; we who are saved were bought with the Blood of Jesus.

Testify of His works!

Testify of His power!

Testify of His goodness

Transition: 1st, you are Called to give testimony; 2nd, you are Called to revere the Resurrected Christ.

You Are Called to Revere the Resurrected Christ (v.8)

8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

A. As these women departed to alert the Disciples of the risen Savior the scripture says they had fear and great joy.

They held the report, the duty, the responsibility, and the charge with great esteem and were excited about the news they were carrying.

B. For the believer this is done by:

Reflecting on His Grace- Grace is the unmerited favor of God. We don’t deserve it but He gives it to us.

Remembering His Mercy

Honoring His forgiveness

Thankful for His Goodness

Application: What are you excited about? Where is your reverence? What are you rejoicing about? Do not allow material possessions to take the place of Jesus. Do not allow family to replace the Joy we have in Jesus. Do not let our success and accomplishments to replace the Joy we can only find in Jesus! Application: Be excited about this season but do so with joy about the resurrection of Christ. Do not view it as a day of wearing new suits and eating candy. View it as an opportunity to reflect on the benefit of salvation we received.

Revere Christ for His Sacrifice!

Transition: This is the season for rejoicing. It is not about us its about the saving power of Jesus. It’s about His sacrifice and resurrection. He is not dead He’s alive. Lift the Savior up. Verse 9 calls for us to Worship the resurrected Christ. . .

You Are Called to Worship the Resurrected Christ (v.9)

9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.

These women were excited to see the master. They fell down and worshiped Him at His feet. He had accomplished something unheard of, He rose from the grave. They worshiped Him because of what the resurrection means. The doorway to salvation.

ILLUS: I love basketball. Yesterday, as I watched the playoff games, I found myself jumping and shouting at the tv, every time Jordan Poole made a shot or Joel Embid got a rebound. I could not help but be excited for what they did on the court.

Transition: You know what? Lebron doesn’t know me and I don’t know Lebron. He wasn’t playing for me. He was playing for himself. Oh but come to calvary, that man Jesus knows me and I know Him. What He did on Calvary was for me! If i can shout for Lebron, Certainly I oughta be able to WORSHIP JESUS!!

Application: Christ is worthy of our worship. Does Jesus get your worship? Is it reserved for those who cannot do what He has done? Worship Christ for the work He has done for you and I. Worship Him for the blood He shed on Calvary!

He did for you and I more then anyone else has ever done. You ought to say Thank you!

Worship Christ because He is our Savior!

Worship Christ because He lives

Conclusion:

What can wash away our sins

What can make us whole again

Nothing but the blood

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

What can wash us pure as snow

Welcomed as the friends of God

Nothing but Your blood

Nothing but Your blood

King Jesus