The Inescapable Resurrection

THE INESCAPABLE RESURRECTION

Mt. 28:1-7; Lk. 24:36-44

INTRODUCTION

A. HUMOR

1. Five-year-old Brian had a pivotal verse to recite in an Easter program: “He is not here, he is risen” (Luke 24:6). Unfortunately, he could not remember what to say, and the director had to quietly remind him of his line.

2. He then confidently grabbed the microphone and triumphantly shouted, “He’s not here; He’s in prison!” [Source: Mature Living, April, 2011]

B. TEXTS

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” Mt. 28:1-7, NKJV.

36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence. 44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” Lk. 24:36-44, NKJV.

C. THE ROLL OF RELIGIONS CALLED:

1. MANY PLACES ARE FAMOUS for what they contain:

Pyramids of Egypt -- mummified remains of pharaohs;

Westminster Abbey -- nobles, scholars, writers;

Mohammed's tomb -- stone coffin and its bones;

Arlington Cemetery, D.C. -- honored Americans.

2. But there is one burial place that is famous for what it does NOT contain: the tomb of Jesus Christ of Nazareth! He is not there because He is risen!

3. General Gordon, who discovered the Garden Tomb, had its dust of the tomb of Jesus swept up and tested for any trace of human remains. There were none, because Jesus is Risen!

4. Go to the tombs of the founders of the great world religions. Call the roll:

Mohammed … “Here!”

Moses … “Here!”

Buddha … “Here!”

Confucius … “Here!”

Jesus Christ … … .

No answer! Because he is not there. The tomb is empty!

D. SIN HAS A TERRIBLE PRICETAG

1. 3 THINGS SIN DOES TO US:

a. Power of Sin – enslaves & controls us;

b. Impurity of Sin – contaminate, corrupts, defiles;

c. Penalty of Sin – alienates, separates us from God. The wages of sin is death.

2. Q – Is there no solution? Yes! Someone must pay the price of sin; either you will die for your sins or someone else for you – Jesus.

3. Sin cost God the death of His Son. “John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Jn. 1:29. “…and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” 1 Jn. 1:7. But most ignore this incredible event/ love.

E. THE RESURRECTION NECESSARY

1. HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE

a. There was no question by anyone present at Jesus’ crucifixion that Jesus was completely & unalterably dead.

b. The Jewish leaders were sure He was dead.

c. Roman soldiers made sure – they put a spear through His heart to make sure.

d. The disciples took down His cold, stiff, lifeless form. They didn’t believe He would rise. They had to be convinced of His resurrection.

2. Luke says that after His suffering He “showed Himself alive by many infallible proofs” Acts 1:3.

1). Over a period of 40 days;