Resurrection Sunday (Luke, Part 13) Series

Resurrection Sunday (Luke, Part 13)

Luke 24:1-12

Introduction / Recap

- Last week, we discussed the arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial; saw three things:

- First, a natural response (sadness, etc.) to Jesus’ suffering is not enough

- Second, the cross is the most vivid illustration of John 3:16-18

- Third, Jesus became the way, the truth, & the life – no more sacrifices needed

- It is why His final words on the cross are so definitive: “Tetelestai!”

-- This was a cry of purpose, a shout of affirmation, a declaration by God’s son

-- His Proclamation: “There is nothing else that needs to be done!”

- And today, we will celebrate the most wonderful event in history

-- It is the event that completes the Christian faith (central theme of OT / NT)

- Read Luke 24:1-12 / Pray

Point 1 – What does the resurrection teach us?

- Let’s see three key truths surrounding the resurrection: (v1)

-- First, it was very early morning – before the sun rose on Sunday

-- This would be the third day, fulfilling prophecy of scripture to rise in 3 days

-- Matthew 16:21, “From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.”

- BIG FACT: His resurrection was a triumph – a victory over death

-- For the believer, even for the seeker, we must learn/remember this truth

-- The grave is empty, and He is not there!!

-- FACT: Every other religious “leader” is dead and in the grave

- Second, the spices they prepared were to complete his burial

-- Help control smell of decomp aroma; RE: They knew were Jesus was buried

-- They did not expect Him to be raised from the dead; spices showed care

- Why do this? As loved ones care for a body, these women act in same manner

-- They are devoted to ensuring Jesus is respected, even in death

-- Consider: minds are not on what He said, only what has happened

- Third, even in their grief, they would not have gone during the Sabbath (Sat.)

-- They were devout believers in the Law, strictly obedient to God

-- They would’ve observed God’s decree to respect the Sabbath (rest)

- Take note: Jesus would have been in the grave during the Sabbath

-- A person cannot be held responsible for following a law if they are dead

-- This means – due to His death – the Law no longer applied to Him

-- But for these women, they come to attend to Him when they’re allowed

- For us: When a person believes in Jesus as Lord, we accept (or we receive) His death as paid penalty for our sin

-- God sees us in Jesus’ death – it is where/how we become identified with Him

-- Jesus is no longer under the Law (RE: He made a new covenant)

-- Curtain torn; access granted directed to God

- So, in Jesus’ death – & our acceptance of Him – we become dead to the Law

-- Paul testifies to this in Romans 7:4, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God.” (cause and effect: death brings life (a harvest))

-- Once we identify with Him, we take on His risen attribute; freed of sin’s penalty

- FREE: Early believers would have identified strongly with Resurrection Sunday

-- Traditionally, we respect this same observance – why we worship on Sunday

- So, coming to the tomb, they see the stone has been rolled away (v2)

-- Now, pay attention here: the stone was not moved for Jesus’ benefit

-- When He arose, He would have possessed His resurrected body

-- A heavenly body from the spiritual dimension; a body we ought to long for

-- This spiritual dimension is without physical boundaries (see next week; appear)

-- It’s why we can say God is omnipresent … He can be everywhere; created time

- DON’T MISS: WE needed to see the stone rolled away; WE needed the proof

-- The moved stone allowed them to see the empty tomb – where He was laid

-- RE: They were in the funeral procession; they knew where they put Him

-- So surely, they expected He would still be in the tomb!