Embracing the Authority of the Risen Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Resurrection as a Declaration of Authority

The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful event that demonstrates His authority over life and death. It reassures believers that they have nothing to fear if they seek Jesus, while those opposed to Him have every reason to fear. The angel's message to the women, "Do not be afraid," serves as a comforting reminder that those who follow Jesus are under His protection and care. This event is not just a historical occurrence but a profound declaration of Jesus' victory over death and His divine authority. The guards at the tomb, who represent those opposed to Jesus, are filled with fear, highlighting the stark contrast between those who accept Jesus and those who reject Him. [03:13]

Matthew 28:5-6 (ESV): "But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace the reassurance that comes from seeking Jesus, and how can you let go of fear today?

Day 2: Recognizing Divine Authority

Jesus' authority is absolute and divine, unlike any earthly power. This authority demands a response from us, calling us to submit and recognize His sovereignty over all creation. Unlike human authority, which is often flawed and limited, Jesus' authority is perfect and all-encompassing. It is a call to acknowledge His lordship in every aspect of our lives, understanding that He holds the ultimate power over heaven and earth. This recognition is not just intellectual but requires a heartfelt submission to His will and purposes. [12:58]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Day 3: The Journey of Discipleship

Becoming a disciple of Jesus involves learning from Him, confessing Him openly, and obeying His teachings. It requires humility to allow Jesus to reshape our understanding of truth. This journey is marked by a willingness to be taught and transformed by Jesus, acknowledging that our own understanding is limited. It involves a public confession of faith, symbolized by baptism, which signifies our allegiance to Jesus. As disciples, we are called to live out His teachings in our daily lives, reflecting His love and truth to the world around us. [20:23]

Luke 9:23 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"

Reflection: How can you actively engage in learning from Jesus today, and what steps can you take to confess Him openly in your community?

Day 4: Baptism as a Declaration of Allegiance

Baptism is a public confession of faith and a declaration of allegiance to Jesus. It signifies our commitment to live under His authority and follow His teachings. This act of obedience is a powerful testimony of our faith and a visible expression of our decision to follow Jesus. It is a step of faith that marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship, where we continually seek to align our lives with His will and purposes. Baptism is not just a ritual but a profound declaration of our identity in Christ. [27:50]

Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Reflection: If you have been baptized, how does this commitment influence your daily decisions and actions? If not, what steps can you take to explore this important step of faith?

Day 5: The Urgency of Discipleship

The call to discipleship is urgent and personal. It is not enough to be a Christian in name only; we must actively engage in learning, confessing, and obeying Jesus. This Easter, examine your relationship with the risen Lord. Jesus offers Himself to you today as your Savior and Lord, inviting you to embrace Him fully and live under His authority. This call is not just for a select few but for everyone who desires to follow Jesus. It is a call to action, urging us to live out our faith with intentionality and purpose. [32:50]

2 Corinthians 5:15 (ESV): "And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Jesus and live out your faith more intentionally?

Sermon Summary

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of our faith, and today we explore its profound implications through the lens of Matthew 28. The narrative begins with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visiting the tomb, only to encounter an angel who announces the resurrection of Jesus. This moment is marked by an earthquake and the presence of an angel, illustrating the overwhelming power and holiness of heaven. The angel's message to the women, "Do not be afraid," is a reassurance that those who seek Jesus have nothing to fear from the resurrection. This is contrasted with the fear experienced by the guards, who represent those opposed to Jesus.

The resurrection is not just a historical event but a declaration of Jesus' authority over heaven and earth. This authority is unique and absolute, unlike any earthly power, which is divided and checked by human systems. Jesus' authority is divine, and it demands a response from us. We are called to submit to His authority, recognizing that He alone holds the keys to heaven and has sovereignty over all creation.

To submit to Jesus' authority means to become His disciple. A disciple is someone who learns from Jesus, confesses Him openly, and obeys His teachings. This journey begins with humility, acknowledging that we need to learn from Jesus and allow Him to reshape our understanding of truth. It involves a public confession of faith, symbolized by baptism, which signifies our allegiance to Jesus. Finally, it requires a commitment to obey His commands, living a life that reflects His teachings.

The call to discipleship is urgent and personal. It is not enough to be a Christian in name only; we must actively engage in learning, confessing, and obeying Jesus. This Easter, I invite you to examine your relationship with the risen Lord. Are you a disciple who learns, confesses, and obeys? Jesus offers Himself to you today as your Savior and Lord, inviting you to embrace Him fully and live under His authority.

Key Takeaways

1. The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful event that demonstrates His authority over life and death. It reassures believers that they have nothing to fear if they seek Jesus, while those opposed to Him have every reason to fear. [03:13]
2. Jesus' authority is absolute and divine, unlike any earthly power. This authority demands a response from us, calling us to submit and recognize His sovereignty over all creation. [12:58]
3. Becoming a disciple of Jesus involves learning from Him, confessing Him openly, and obeying His teachings. It requires humility to allow Jesus to reshape our understanding of truth. [20:23]
4. Baptism is a public confession of faith and a declaration of allegiance to Jesus. It signifies our commitment to live under His authority and follow His teachings. [27:50]
5. The call to discipleship is urgent and personal. It is not enough to be a Christian in name only; we must actively engage in learning, confessing, and obeying Jesus. This Easter, examine your relationship with the risen Lord. [32:50]
** [32:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to the Resurrection
[00:27] - Mary Magdalene and the Other Mary
[01:23] - The Earthquake and the Angel
[02:54] - Do Not Be Afraid
[03:31] - He Is Risen
[04:14] - The Women’s Mission
[05:08] - Appearances in Jerusalem
[06:00] - Significance of Galilee
[07:35] - The Journey to Galilee
[09:01] - Jesus’ Authority Declared
[10:00] - Authority in One Person
[12:58] - Divine Authority vs. Earthly Power
[16:41] - Two Kinds of People
[20:01] - What It Means to Be a Disciple
[25:25] - Confessing Jesus Through Baptism
[29:42] - Obeying Jesus’ Teachings
[32:50] - Invitation to Discipleship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What significant event occurs when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit the tomb, and how do the guards react? [01:23]
What message does the angel give to the women at the tomb, and how does it contrast with the guards' experience? [02:54]
According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' resurrection appearance in Galilee? [06:33]
What does Jesus declare about His authority in Matthew 28, and how is it different from earthly authority? [10:00]

Interpretation Questions

How does the angel's message "Do not be afraid" to the women reflect the reassurance offered to believers in the resurrection? [02:54]
In what ways does Jesus' declaration of authority challenge the concept of earthly power and governance? [12:58]
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus according to the sermon, and how does this relate to the concept of authority? [20:01]
How does the act of baptism serve as a public confession of faith and allegiance to Jesus? [27:50]

Application Questions

Reflect on the angel's message, "Do not be afraid." How can this reassurance impact your daily life and fears? [02:54]
Jesus' authority is described as absolute and divine. How does recognizing His authority influence your decisions and actions? [12:58]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of being a disciple who learns, confesses, and obeys. Which of these areas do you find most challenging, and why? [20:01]
Baptism is a public declaration of faith. If you have been baptized, how does this commitment shape your life today? If not, what steps can you take to explore this further? [27:50]
The call to discipleship is urgent and personal. How can you actively engage in learning, confessing, and obeying Jesus in your current season of life? [32:50]
Consider the significance of Jesus' resurrection appearance in Galilee. How can you create a "Galilee" moment in your life where you meet Jesus in a meaningful way? [06:33]
Reflect on the sermon’s invitation to examine your relationship with the risen Lord. What practical steps can you take to deepen your discipleship journey this week? [32:50]

Sermon Clips

The resurrection is not just a historical event but a declaration of Jesus' authority over heaven and earth. This authority is unique and absolute, unlike any earthly power, which is divided and checked by human systems. Jesus' authority is divine, and it demands a response from us. We are called to submit to His authority, recognizing that He alone holds the keys to heaven and has sovereignty over all creation. [00:16:41]

To submit to Jesus' authority means to become His disciple. A disciple is someone who learns from Jesus, confesses Him openly, and obeys His teachings. This journey begins with humility, acknowledging that we need to learn from Jesus and allow Him to reshape our understanding of truth. It involves a public confession of faith, symbolized by baptism, which signifies our allegiance to Jesus. Finally, it requires a commitment to obey His commands, living a life that reflects His teachings. [00:20:01]

The call to discipleship is urgent and personal. It is not enough to be a Christian in name only; we must actively engage in learning, confessing, and obeying Jesus. This Easter, I invite you to examine your relationship with the risen Lord. Are you a disciple who learns, confesses, and obeys? Jesus offers Himself to you today as your Savior and Lord, inviting you to embrace Him fully and live under His authority. [00:32:50]

The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful event that demonstrates His authority over life and death. It reassures believers that they have nothing to fear if they seek Jesus, while those opposed to Him have every reason to fear. [00:03:13]

Jesus' authority is absolute and divine, unlike any earthly power. This authority demands a response from us, calling us to submit and recognize His sovereignty over all creation. [00:12:58]

Becoming a disciple of Jesus involves learning from Him, confessing Him openly, and obeying His teachings. It requires humility to allow Jesus to reshape our understanding of truth. [00:20:23]

Baptism is a public confession of faith and a declaration of allegiance to Jesus. It signifies our commitment to live under His authority and follow His teachings. [00:27:50]

The call to discipleship is urgent and personal. It is not enough to be a Christian in name only; we must actively engage in learning, confessing, and obeying Jesus. This Easter, examine your relationship with the risen Lord. [00:32:50]

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me now folks this is another world from the world in which we live all authority in one person that's what Jesus says now of course we live in a world where what we're familiar with is the separation of powers. [00:10:00]

He does not function under us he has authority over us and let me tell you this friends absolutely straight sinners hate this truth they hate it they laws this truth because what sinners want is a God who can be shaped to our own liking that by the way is the explanation as to why the world is so full of so many religions. [00:13:01]

A disciple number one is very simply someone who learns from Jesus that's where it begins to have Jesus as your teacher to come from the humility to come from the arrogance of of saying I'm the one who defines what's true for me which is really putting yourself in the place of God isn't it and to humble yourself and say now Jesus will become the one who defines truth for me. [00:20:01]

The word disciple does simply mean a pupil or a learner in Matthew chapter 11 and verse 29 a very famous verse Jesus says wonderfully come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest then he says this take my yoke upon you in other words tie yourself bind yourself to me and learn of me and the word he uses for learn of me is exactly the same word as is used for disciple here the same word take my yoke upon you and become my disciple is what he's saying because to be a disciple is to be a learner. [00:25:25]

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