“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter until the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18

The resurrection of Jesus is the one thing that separates the Gospel from other religions.

…and people respond differently to it.

Let’s listen to what the news of the resurrection and how people responded to it: 

Here is the story as recorded in…

Matthew 28

1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

Response: Curiosity. (I have to see for myself, they were not afraid of the Lord)

Response: Fear. (the soldiers were afraid.)

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 

The resurrection brings: Comfort. (Jesus is ALIVE! It’s not over!)

The resurrection brings: Confirmation. (belief opens eyes to the proof)

7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 

Response: Joy

Butterflies in my stomach: Excitement that it might just be true.

Response: Belief

Always backed by action. “Faith without works is dead.”

9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

The resurrection brings: Vision

Obedience brings clarity.

The resurrection brings: Identity (Inclusion in God’s family)

“Go and tell my brothers…”

11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

Response: Unbelief

A decision against… despite proof.

Notice the 2 responses: For some, the Lord’s appearance brings anger, resentment, frustration. And for others, peace, comfort, joy.

Response: Manipulation and Fabrication

Money to lie.

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Response: Obedience

A living Jesus means he is worth listening to.

Response: Worship

The resurrection brings: Victory Death.

Response: Doubt

Jesus included and loved the doubters despite their process.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

The resurrection brings: Authority and Power to do good works.

Divine assistance to do the impossible.

The resurrection brings: Purpose: A Mission to tell others.  

Response: Confidence.

Want a boost in confidence? Tell the truth.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The resurrection brings: A promise: You will never be alone.

Eternal life

What is my response to the resurrection of Jesus?

1 Corinthians 15:13-19 says this:

13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

We must be prepared to may a price for our faith.. more now than ever. 

This Easter we are reminded of that more than ever. 

The resurrection of Jesus also brings: Suffering

What is my response to the resurrection of Jesus?

Response Review Slide

Song: How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

Benediction

Exit: Behold Then Sings My Soul