Introduction

Good Morning! I'm thrilled to welcome you all as we jump into the heart of the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 28, verses 1 through 10. Today, we're going to explore The Power of the Risen Christ, The Joy of the Risen Christ, and The Hope of the Risen Christ.

Billy Graham once said, "The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances." Friends, our circumstances today may be challenging, but we can take heart in the fact that our Savior is not in a tomb, but He is alive, and because He lives, we can face tomorrow.

The Power of the Risen Christ

The Power of the Risen Christ is a concept that reverberates throughout the New Testament and is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. It is the power that conquered death, sin, and the grave. It is the power that brings hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and life to the dead. It is the power that transforms lives, heals wounds, and sets captives free. It is the power that gives us the courage to face our fears, the strength to overcome our challenges, and the hope to press on in the midst of trials and tribulations.

In the passage we read from Matthew 28, we see the power of the Risen Christ on full display. The first evidence of this power is seen in the violent earthquake that accompanied the angel's descent from heaven. This was no ordinary event. It was a divine demonstration of power, a clear sign that something extraordinary was happening. The guards, who were trained soldiers, were so terrified that they shook and became like dead men. This shows us that the power of the Risen Christ is not something to be taken lightly. It is a power that commands respect and awe.

The angel's message to the women further underscores the power of the Risen Christ. "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." These words remind us that the power of the Risen Christ is not just about physical strength or supernatural abilities. It is also about the power of His word. Jesus had predicted His death and resurrection, and just as He said, it happened. This shows us that when Jesus speaks, things happen. His words are powerful and effective. They are not empty promises or idle threats. They are words of power that bring about change and transformation.

The women's reaction to the angel's message also speaks to the power of the Risen Christ. They were afraid, yet filled with joy. This is a paradox that can only be explained by the power of the Risen Christ. Fear and joy are usually mutually exclusive emotions. But in this case, they coexist. The women were afraid because they had just witnessed a display of divine power that was beyond their comprehension. But they were also filled with joy because they knew that this power was not against them, but for them. It was the power of their Savior, their Lord, their Friend. And because of His power, they knew that they had nothing to fear.

Finally, the power of the Risen Christ is seen in His appearance to the women. "Suddenly Jesus met them." This was not a ghost or a vision. It was the Risen Christ Himself, in a physical, tangible form. He greeted them, allowed them to touch Him, and spoke to them. This shows us that the power of the Risen Christ is not a distant, impersonal force. It is a personal, relational power. It is the power of a God who is not aloof or detached, but intimately involved in our lives.

The Joy of the Risen Christ

The joy of the Risen Christ is first and foremost a joy of victory ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO