Easter 4 - Resurrection

Matthew 28:1-10

[1] Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came 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 from the door, and sat on it. [3] His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. [4] And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. [5] But the angel answered and 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 is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. [7] And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” [8] So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. [9] And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. [10] Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

WHAT DOES THE RESURRECTION MEAN TO YOU?

1. You can have hope.

Matthew 28:5-6 But the angel answered and 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 is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Eyewitnesses testify that Christ was raised from the dead. This gives assurance that spiritual death has been conquered for all who will believe.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Revelation 1:18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Jesus holds our hope in His hands .

John 10:28 (Jesus said) And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

WHAT DOES THE RESURRECTION MEAN TO YOU?

2. You can experience power.

Matthew 28:1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

Mary Magdalene was seriously committed to Jesus—that is why she was there on the third morning while the inner circle disciples were lost.

Matthew 27:59-61 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, [60] and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. [61] And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

Proximity is important—it will keep you from getting lost.

Luke 8:1-2 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, [2] and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities-Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons,

Mary Magdalene gained a new identity as a devoted follower of Jesus, showing the transformative power of encountering Christ. She was no longer defined by her past, but by her faith and relationship with the Savior.

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

WHAT DOES THE RESURRECTION MEAN TO YOU?

3. You can experience joy.

Matthew 28:7-10 (The angel said) And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” [8] So they went out quickly from the tomb with FEAR (emotional awe) and great JOY (overwhelmed with gladness), and ran to bring His disciples word. [9] And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “REJOICE!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. [10] Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Jesus told them to rejoice—affirming their joy and inviting them to fully enter it.

The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a fact; it’s a reason to celebrate.

Conclusion:

• You can have hope today! 

• You can experience the power of Jesus delivering you from sin’s bondage! 

• You can experience joy in the midst of all that is going on in this world! 

Matthew 16:26 (Jesus said-paraphrase) Look, does it make sense to truly become successful, but then to hand over your very soul? What is your soul really worth?