The Hope Of The Resurrection (Revised)

Text – Matthew 28:1 thru 6

Today is Easter. The most celebrated day of the year for the Christian faith. We have come to worship the Risen Savior.

There are many stories that have to do with the morning of the Resurrection.

Throughout the year we give special attention to the joy of, and the power of the resurrection of Christ. Jesus’ has defeated death and the grave!

This morning we must consider how this great victory can now change our lives.

For example, look closely at verse 9.

Notice what the response was for those who saw the Risen Savior first.

The NIV version tells us that they -

“clasped His feet and worshipped Him.”

There is no doubt but what each of us has different needs for our life. Regardless of your situation, each of us has the Risen Savior to behold and worship.

And that we must do. As we look at this passage of scripture, may we all -

“clasp His feet and worship Him?”

Your situation, this morning, may be much like that of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Recently, we looked closely at these two women as they stood NEAR THE CROSS. We found that Mary Magdalene desperately needed the redemption of the sufferings of Jesus on the cross. But it was Salome who came to the Cross of Calvary in need of correction and instruction for her life.

Perhaps both of these two women were discouraged and disheartened at the loss of the only Person Who would ever understand the plight of their life.

Have you ever felt that way about Jesus?

Think about this question before you answer, but are you totally dependent on this Man Who suffered and died for you?

Listen - no one will ever know you and care for you like Jesus, the Risen King.

If you have interest in finding any other hope of understanding in any one else, you will (sooner or later) be disappointed.

I believe both of the women in our story sensed that in Jesus. That is the reason why they came to the tomb early that morning when others would not.

Their lives were totally dependent on Jesus. They had no one else that loved and cared for them like Jesus did.

And that is the reason why we come to worship the Lord each Sunday morning even though others may not.

We are in desperate need of His love and forgiveness. I want to encourage each of you to seek the Lord early each and everyday of your life, but especially during every Sunday morning service.

Let me try to explain this in better detail for you. The details are sketchy about these two women in our story. There can be lots of speculation, but I have to believe there is a good chance that both had been up all night.

Either they had been grieving all night for their loss, or, maybe they were convinced that today would be the day they would see the Risen King?

Let’s just say they had been up all night because of the grief of the death of Jesus. I have met many people who will oftentimes sit up late at night grieving over the losses in their lives. Their hearts are heavy. They cannot sleep.

There are times we can become so discouraged and disheartened over our losses that we can make ourselves sick.

Disappointments can often be the cause of many of our illnesses. We cannot rest. We cannot relax. We cannot take care of ourselves. Sometimes, we are convinced that we cannot go on.

The difference in the two women in our story is although they may have been discouraged and disheartened, they were not defeated.

I believe these two women had listened to Jesus often enough to know -

· what His death would mean.

· that they were going to plan the rest of their life accordingly.

These two women knew something we must know, also. Jesus may have died on Friday, but…then came Sunday.

Jesus had given the promise to everyone, but only two discouraged and disheartened women understood or remembered those promises.

One of the promises Jesus had said –

“…and on the third day I will be perfected.” Jesus may have died on Friday, but then came Sunday.

My friend you can count on Jesus. You must listen to each of His promises and plan your life accordingly. Don’t ever give up on Jesus. He will keep His Word!

The Devil may have thought he had defeated Jesus on Friday.

But the Devil was in for a big surprise on Sunday morning.

Likewise, the Devil may think he has beaten you up, and you may think you have been left for dead, but I want you to know Jesus is a Man of His Word. Jesus won’t forget what He’s promised you.