Introduction

Good morning, church family! I think we can all agree, there's a whole lot to be thankful for, right? We've got life, love, laughter, and, most importantly, our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we're gonna dive into a powerful passage from Matthew 28:1-10, where we're reminded of three monumental reasons to be thankful: the resurrection, the angel's message, and the commission to go.

Before we read, let me share a quote with you from A.W. Tozer who once said, "God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves." Now, doesn't that give you a sense of peace? In our fast-paced world, it's comforting to remember that God's timing is perfect, and His plans are never rushed.

Thankful for the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. It is the event that separates Christianity from all other religions, and it is the reason we can have hope in the face of death. The resurrection is not just a historical event, but a transformative reality that gives us a reason to be thankful every day.

The magnitude of this event: The women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, went to visit the tomb expecting to find the body of Jesus. Instead, they found an empty tomb and an angel who proclaimed, "He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen." This proclamation is the foundation of our faith. Jesus, who was crucified and buried, had risen from the dead. He had conquered death, not just for Himself, but for all of us who believe in Him.

A testament to God's power and love: It shows us that God has the power to overcome even death, the most formidable enemy of humanity. It also shows us the extent of God's love for us. God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for our sins, and then raised Him from the dead to give us the hope of eternal life. This is a love that is beyond our comprehension, and it is a love that should fill us with gratitude every day.

Gives us hope: Because Jesus rose from the dead, we have the hope of eternal life. We know that death is not the end, but the beginning of a new and glorious life with God. This hope gives us the courage to face the challenges of life, knowing that our ultimate destiny is not determined by the circumstances of this world, but by the victory of Jesus over death.

Assures us of God's faithfulness: Jesus had predicted His death and resurrection, and it happened just as He said it would. This assures us that we can trust God's promises. If God was faithful in raising Jesus from the dead, He will be faithful in fulfilling all His promises to us.

Transforms our perspective on life: Because of the resurrection, we know that this life is not all there is. We are living in the light of eternity, and this changes how we view our lives and the world around us. It gives us a sense of purpose and direction, and it infuses our lives with a sense of meaning and significance.

A monumental reason to be thankful: It is a reason to celebrate, not just on Easter Sunday, but every day of our lives. It is a reason to live with hope, joy, and gratitude, knowing that we serve a risen Savior who has conquered death and given us the hope of eternal life.

Thankful for the Angels' Message

In the passage we read, the angel of the Lord played a crucial role in the resurrection story ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO