Matthew 28:1-20
Big Idea: Jesus Is Risen, Redeeming, And Reigning And That Changes Everything
The Easter Invitation: Come and see the unstoppable power of the gospel (v. 1-7)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
– 1 Peter 1:3-5
My Resurrection Hope:
1) Jesus has authority over earthly rulers and authorities (27:62-28:7)
2) Jesus has authority over sin and Satan (v. 5-7)
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
- Colossians 2:13-15
3) Jesus has authority over life and death (v. 5-7)
How Does Jesus Demonstrate His Authority?
1) Jesus laid down His life sacrificially
“I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. … For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
– John 10:10b-11; 17-18
2) Jesus fulfilled His promise to be raised from the dead victoriously
“The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when He is killed, after three days He will rise.”
– Mark 9:31
3) Jesus offers eternal life freely
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’”
– John 11:25-26
The Easter Exhortation: Go and tell the transformational hope of the gospel (v. 7-10)