Living the Joy of Resurrection Every Day
Summary
Easter is the day of resurrection, a day when hearts are lifted with joy because Christ has led us from death to life. The empty tomb is not just a symbol, but a ratification of every promise Jesus made—His victory over death is the guarantee that His words are true and His love is unbreakable. Even when discouragement, fear, and anxiety threaten to settle in, the resurrection stands as God’s answer to our deepest despair. Christ’s presence in the storms of life brings a calm that surpasses understanding, a peace that assures us we are never alone, no matter how fierce the waves.
The joy of Easter is not just a fleeting happiness, but a deep gladness rooted in the reality that Jesus’ love for us could not be extinguished by death. Like children rejoicing over Easter eggs, we celebrate because the One we love has returned, and His love for us is alive forever. The resurrection is the greatest deal ever offered to humanity: an exchange of our brokenness, sin, and disappointment for Christ’s righteousness, peace, and new life. This is not a transaction we earn, but a gift of grace—God’s riches at Christ’s expense.
The story of the Ragman beautifully illustrates this exchange. Christ, like the Ragman, takes on our sorrows, wounds, and failures, and in return, clothes us with His healing, wholeness, and joy. He enters into our pain, bears our burdens, and then, through His death and resurrection, offers us a new beginning. The resurrection is God’s declaration that every promise has been fulfilled, every debt paid, and every barrier removed. We are invited to come to the table, to receive not just bread and wine, but Christ Himself—His very life, forgiveness, and blessing.
Easter calls us to live in the reality of this new life, to trust that all things will work together for good through the power of the love that raised Jesus from the dead. We are called to be a people of joy, peace, and hope, living out the truth that Christ is alive in us and through us. As we go forth, may our hearts be established in this truth, and may Easter be not just a day, but every morning—a continual celebration of the greatest deal ever made.
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Key Takeaways
- The Resurrection Ratifies Every Promise
The resurrection is God’s way of declaring that every promise Jesus made is true and trustworthy. When Christ rose from the grave, it was the ultimate confirmation that His words—about life, forgiveness, and adoption into God’s family—are not empty, but eternally secure. This assurance allows us to rest in His faithfulness, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. [29:36]
- Christ’s Presence Brings Peace in Every Storm
Even when life’s storms threaten to overwhelm us, Christ’s presence offers a supernatural calm. He invites us to rest with Him, to lay our anxieties aside, and to trust that He is Lord over every circumstance. The resurrection means that no storm is final, and that His peace is available to us in the midst of chaos. [10:55]
- The Great Exchange: Our Brokenness for His Wholeness
Easter is about the greatest exchange ever offered—Christ takes our sin, shame, and brokenness, and gives us His righteousness, peace, and new life. This is not a deal we negotiate or earn, but a gift we receive by faith. The story of the Ragman powerfully illustrates how Jesus enters into our pain and transforms it with His love. [42:52]
- The Table of Grace Welcomes All Who Will Receive
The communion table is a tangible reminder that Christ’s offer is for everyone. No matter our doubts, failures, or weariness, He invites us to come, to be filled, forgiven, and made whole. At this table, we receive not just symbols, but the very presence and blessing of the risen Christ. [53:35]
- Easter Is an Ongoing Reality, Not Just a Day
The resurrection is not confined to a single morning, but is meant to shape every day of our lives. We are called to live as people of hope, justice, and joy, trusting that the same power that raised Jesus is at work in us. As we serve, forgive, and love others, we become living witnesses to the reality that Christ is alive—Easter is every morning. [01:09:39]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[09:37] - Resurrection Power and Prayer
[10:55] - Confession and Christ’s Calm in the Storm
[15:13] - Children’s Easter Stories and Joy
[18:15] - The Meaning Behind Easter Joy
[19:53] - Why We Celebrate: Love That Never Dies
[28:14] - The Greatest Deal Ever Made
[31:14] - The Car Deal Analogy and the Gospel Offer
[35:52] - The Ragman Story: The Great Exchange
[42:52] - The Ragman’s Sacrifice and Resurrection
[45:08] - Christ Fulfills Isaiah’s Prophecy
[47:55] - The Peace of the Risen Christ
[51:28] - Invitation to the Table
[53:35] - Communion: Receiving Christ’s Gift
[01:09:39] - Living Easter Every Morning and Blessing
[01:10:57] - Living Out Christ’s Life and Final Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Easter – The Greatest Deal Ever Made
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### Bible Reading
Isaiah 53:3-6 (ESV)
> He was despised and rejected by men;
> a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
> and as one from whom men hide their faces
> he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
> Surely he has borne our griefs
> and carried our sorrows;
> yet we esteemed him stricken,
> smitten by God, and afflicted.
> But he was pierced for our transgressions;
> he was crushed for our iniquities;
> upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
> and with his wounds we are healed.
> All we like sheep have gone astray;
> we have turned—every one—to his own way;
> and the Lord has laid on him
> the iniquity of us all.
John 11:25-26 (ESV)
> 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?”
Luke 24:30-32 (ESV)
> When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Isaiah 53, what are some of the specific things the “man of sorrows” does for others? (see Isaiah 53:3-6)
2. According to John 11:25-26, what does Jesus promise to those who believe in him?
3. In the story of the Ragman, what does the Ragman do with the sorrows and wounds of the people he meets? [[39:59]]
4. What does Jesus say to his disciples when he appears to them after the resurrection? [[45:08]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says the resurrection “ratifies” every promise Jesus made. What does it mean for a promise to be ratified, and why is the resurrection so important for our trust in Jesus’ words? [[29:36]]
2. The Ragman story is used as a picture of Jesus’ work. How does this story help us understand what Jesus does for us on the cross and in the resurrection? [[42:52]]
3. The sermon mentions that Christ’s presence brings peace in every storm. What does it look like to experience this peace, even when life feels chaotic? [[10:55]]
4. The communion table is described as a place where we receive not just bread and wine, but Christ himself. What does this mean for how we approach communion? [[53:35]]
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### Application Questions
1. The resurrection is described as God’s answer to our deepest despair. When you face discouragement, fear, or anxiety, what would it look like to let the reality of the resurrection shape your response? Can you think of a recent situation where this could have made a difference? [[10:55]]
2. The “great exchange” means Jesus takes our brokenness and gives us his wholeness. Is there an area of your life where you feel especially broken or weighed down? What would it look like to bring that to Jesus and receive his healing? [[42:52]]
3. The sermon says Easter is not just a day, but every morning. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself daily that Christ is alive and his promises are true? [[01:09:39]]
4. The Ragman enters into people’s pain and gives them new life. Who in your life might need you to come alongside them in their pain, as a way of sharing Christ’s love? What is one step you could take this week? [[41:45]]
5. At the communion table, everyone is invited, no matter their doubts or failures. Are there any barriers that keep you from coming to Jesus with confidence? How can you take a step toward receiving his grace more fully? [[53:35]]
6. The sermon encourages us to be people of joy, peace, and hope. Which of these do you find hardest to live out right now? What is one thing you could do this week to grow in that area? [[01:10:57]]
7. The resurrection is called “the greatest deal ever made.” How would you explain this “deal” to someone who doesn’t know Jesus? Is there someone you could share this with in the coming days? [[28:14]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank you, Jesus, for your love that could not be extinguished by death. Help us to live every day in the joy and hope of your resurrection. Give us courage to bring our brokenness to you, and to share your love with others. Amen.
Devotional
Day 1: Christ’s Resurrection Ratifies God’s Promises
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate confirmation that every promise He made is true and trustworthy. When Jesus rose from the grave, it was God’s declaration that sin, death, and despair have been defeated, and that all who trust in Christ are given eternal life and a place in God’s family. This is not just a distant hope, but a present reality—His power and love are available to you now, and His word to you is peace. Let your heart rest in the assurance that Christ’s victory is your victory, and that nothing can separate you from His love. [29:36]
John 11:25-26 (ESV)
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?”
Reflection: What is one promise of Jesus that you have doubted or struggled to trust? How might the reality of His resurrection help you trust that promise today?
Day 2: The Great Exchange—Our Brokenness for Christ’s Righteousness
Jesus offers us the greatest deal ever made: He takes all our sin, brokenness, and disappointment, and in exchange, gives us His peace, righteousness, and new life. Like the Ragman in the story, Christ takes on our pain and wounds, and clothes us in His goodness and healing. This exchange is not something we earn, but a gift of grace—God’s riches at Christ’s expense. When you come to Him with your rags, He welcomes you, dresses you in newness, and invites you to live in the freedom and joy of being made whole. [45:08]
Isaiah 53:3-6 (ESV)
He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Reflection: What “rags” of brokenness or shame are you still holding onto? Will you bring them to Jesus today and receive His healing and peace in exchange?
Day 3: Resurrection Brings Peace in the Midst of Life’s Storms
No matter what storm you are facing—fear, anxiety, discouragement—Christ is with you in the boat. His resurrection power means that He is Lord over every storm, and He promises never to leave or forsake you. When the waves threaten to overwhelm, you can rest in His presence, knowing that He will work all things for your good. Let His peace calm your heart, and trust that He will bring you safely through to the other side. [10:55]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: What is one specific worry or storm you are facing right now? How can you invite Jesus to bring His peace into that situation today?
Day 4: The Table of Grace—Welcomed, Forgiven, and Made Whole
At the Lord’s Table, Christ offers not just bread and wine, but His very self—His presence, forgiveness, and healing. No matter how discouraged or doubtful you may feel, He opens His arms wide and invites you back to His side. Here, you are welcomed, filled, and blessed, not because of your worthiness, but because of His love. As you receive from Him, let your eyes be opened to recognize His presence with you, and let gratitude and hope fill your heart. [53:35]
Luke 24:30-32 (ESV)
When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
Reflection: As you come to the Lord’s Table or remember His sacrifice, what does it mean for you to be truly welcomed and forgiven by Jesus? How might you respond to His invitation today?
Day 5: Living Out Resurrection—Becoming Agents of Justice, Joy, and Love
The resurrection is not just a past event, but a present calling. Christ’s new life in you empowers you to live for justice, joy, and love in the world. As you trust in the power of the love that raised Jesus from the dead, you are called to forgive, serve, and share His goodness with others. Let Easter be every morning—a daily renewal of your commitment to live as His beloved, bringing hope and blessing to those around you. [01:10:57]
Romans 6:4 (ESV)
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: What is one practical way you can express Christ’s resurrection life—through forgiveness, kindness, or service—to someone in your life today?
Quotes
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