Jesus Was Dead But He Lives

Jesus Was Dead And Now He Lives

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-15

I. Introduction

A. One man commented, I was a little taken aback when I got my receipt from the funeral parlor for my father’s funeral, on the bottom of the receipt, after the bill, it read, “Thank you. Please come again.”

B. Journey was watching me yesterday as I wrote the sermon for today’s Easter service. She asked me “Poppy how do you know what to say?” I told her “Well, God gives me the words,” and as quick as a whip she replied. 'Oh O.K., why then do you keep crossing stuff out?

1. Turn to Matthew 28:1 - 10

C. Last week we saw several times definitive proof that Jesus was dead.

1. The Roman soldiers, who were sent to break the legs of those on the crosses saw that Jesus was already dead

2. Pilate, when Joseph of Arimathea petitioned for Jesus body, sent and asked the centurion whether Jesus had been dead for some time. Matt. 27:58

a. The centurion confirmed Jesus death. Matt. 27:54

3. All four gospel writers stated that Jesus was dead.

4. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:3 testifies that Jesus died and why He died

1 Corinthians 15:3 3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;,

a. Be assured Jesus was dead

D. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus prepared Jesus’ body and they placed Him in Joseph’s own tomb…He was dead!

1. The Jews set a guard over the tomb, sealing the stone covering the opening to the tomb… He was dead!

a. Jesus was dead!

(1) Attested to by the Roman centurion

(2) His death was evidenced by the fact that the soldiers that went to break His legs didn’t have to, why? Because Jesus was dead!

(3) Also think about the spear that was thrust into Jesus side…it allowed blood and water to flow out.

a. The spear probably punctured the myocardial sac, and the heart which allowed blood and water to flow from the wound.

b. Jesus was dead!

1. Turn to Matthew 28:1 - 10 and let’s look at the resurrection.

II. Body

A. Jesus resurrection, the angel

Matthew 28:1-3 1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

1. Why was an angel or angels sent to the tomb at this time?

a. The angels were there at several times during Jesus’ life

(1) In Matthew 4:11 At the temptation in the wilderness

Matthew 4:11 11Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

(2) In Luke 22:43 an angel came to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane

Luke 22:43 43And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

(3) Angels were there at His birth

(4) And we don’t know how many other occasions involved ministering angels. (a) Lets turn to John 10:17-18

b. Jesus said that He had the power to lay down His life and Take it up again

John 10:17-18 “1Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."

c. Jesus had to die and be resurrected again to conquer death

(1) By conquering death we are free of the sting of death

d. Now at this occasion, it was appropriate that an angel or angels be involved in this momentous occurrence

(1) Angel means messenger

(2) The angel or angels were sent to announce to Christ’s servants His resurrection

(b) And what was the purpose of the great earthquake?

a. Evidently the earthquake was furnished by God to move the stone which blocked the entrance to the tomb, or should I say the exit from the tomb

(a) Well, it would have allowed the women to enter and see that Jesus was no longer there, and, I don’t know, to allow Jesus to exit, but it seems He could walk through walls

i) Well lets go on in Matthew 28:4 - 7

B. The announcement

Matthew 28:4-7 4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you."