April 6, 2021
Easter: He Is Risen and Not Here | Matthew 28:1-7
On Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, Pastor Eric spoke on the risen Christ. In Matthew 28:1-7 we see that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary expected to see a body in the tomb, but Jesus was not there. He had risen from the dead like He said He would. The fact that Jesus was not in the tomb is great news for Christians today. We need to be reminded of this. Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope because:
1) Jesus is alive.
We don’t pay our respects at the tomb of a dead founder. He is saving people and doing miracles even today! He is opening doors people said were impossible to open. Jesus changes the lives of believers and tells them not to fear. Revelation 1:17-18 states,
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid
his right hand on me, saying Fear not, I am the first and the last, and
the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore…
Jesus is alive today and forevermore. He has risen. We can pray to God in Jesus’ name; He hears us and answers our prayers. Many people today are in a dead religion, praying to a dead founder. A dead founder can do nothing for them. However, Jesus is alive and he lives in every believer. His resurrection transforms a tragedy into a triumph. It shows us that His death on the cross was not in vain. He is our God, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, who overcame death.
2) Everything He said is true.
Jesus’ resurrection is proof that everything else He said is true. We can trust everything Jesus said and we can put our faith in Him. His Word is solid.
3) Our Sins are forgiven.
The resurrection also proves that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for sin and that we are truly forgiven. The Bible says Jesus is our High Priest – He’s our sacrifice, the Lamb of God. We are truly forgiven. He forgave our sins and cleansed us from all unrighteousness. Jesus said, “It is finished”. We don’t need to carry the weight of our sins anymore, because Jesus paid the penalty for us on the cross, so we would not have to. His resurrection is proof. It validates Christianity. It authenticates our faith. Jesus is alive and we will live in heaven with Him for all eternity.