Transformative Power of the Resurrection: A Call to Discipleship

Tonight’s journey through Matthew 28 brings us face to face with the most pivotal moment in all of history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event is not just a story to be remembered, but a reality that transforms every aspect of our lives. The resurrection is God’s definitive declaration that death is defeated, hope is alive, and the way to new life is open to all. Like the anxious citizens awaiting news at Waterloo, we too once lived under the shadow of defeat, but the risen Christ has turned our mourning into joy and our fear into confidence.

The women who went to the tomb did so in simple, faithful obedience, not knowing how the stone would be rolled away or what they would find. Their willingness to act, even in uncertainty, allowed them to become the first witnesses to the empty tomb. God honors such obedience, often inviting us into His greatest works when we step forward in faith, even when it doesn’t make sense. The details of the resurrection—earthquake, angel, the stone rolled away—are God’s way of stamping His authority and power on this moment, making it clear that this is His work, not man’s.

Jesus’ resurrection is not just a historical fact, but the foundation for a radically changed life. The disciples, once fearful and doubting, became bold witnesses, even to the point of death, because they encountered the risen Lord. The evidence for the resurrection is overwhelming, not just in historical records, but in the transformed lives of those who follow Jesus. Too many settle for a “front gate” experience—content with forgiveness but missing out on the fullness of life Jesus offers. The call is to move beyond mere belief in the crucifixion to living a Spirit-filled, resurrected life.

The Great Commission is the natural outflow of resurrection life. Jesus, with all authority, sends us to make disciples, beginning with those closest to us—our families—and extending to every nation. Discipleship is not just about teaching truth, but about walking with others in love and encouragement, embodying the same grace and presence that Jesus extends to us. The promise remains: “I am with you always.” In our doubts, fears, and questions, Jesus moves toward us, inviting us to trust, obey, and join Him in His mission.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faithful obedience often precedes understanding. The women went to the tomb not knowing how their problem would be solved, but their willingness to act in faith allowed them to witness God’s power firsthand. God often invites us into His work when we step forward, even when the path is unclear. Obedience is an act of worship that positions us to see God move in unexpected ways. [32:59]
• 2. The resurrection is God’s ultimate demonstration of power and approval. The supernatural events surrounding the empty tomb—earthquake, angel, the stone rolled away—are not just dramatic details, but God’s way of declaring His intimate involvement and authority over life and death. This is not a myth or legend, but a moment in which God Himself intervened in history for our sake. [34:24]
• 3. The evidence for the resurrection is seen most clearly in transformed lives. The disciples, once doubters and deniers, became courageous witnesses who changed the world, even at great personal cost. The greatest proof of the resurrection is not just historical documents, but the ongoing reality of lives radically changed by the Spirit of God. [50:48]
• 4. The fullness of the Christian life is found beyond mere forgiveness. Many settle for the “entrance” of salvation, missing out on the abundant life Jesus offers through His Spirit. To make Jesus Lord, not just Savior, is to experience peace, hope, and joy that surpasses anything the world can offer. Don’t stop at the front gate—press on into all that God has for you. [53:24]
• 5. Discipleship is a call to walk with others in truth and love. Jesus commissions us to make disciples, beginning with our families and extending outward. True discipleship is not just about imparting knowledge, but about encouragement, exhortation, and walking alongside others in their journey. The promise of Jesus’ presence empowers us to overcome fear and step into our calling. [61:13]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [22:45] - Opening Prayer for the Vidlak Family
• [24:21] - Family Camp Story
• [24:55] - Recap of Matthew 27 and Introduction to the Resurrection
• [26:23] - The Battle of Waterloo and the Power of Hope
• [28:45] - The Fog Lifts: Jesus Defeats Death
• [30:58] - The Women at the Tomb: Faithful Obedience
• [32:59] - Witnessing the Empty Tomb
• [34:24] - God’s Power Displayed in the Resurrection
• [35:57] - Worship, Fear, and the Invitation to All
• [39:02] - Persecution and the Growth of the Church
• [41:37] - The Great Commission: Go and Make Disciples
• [43:43] - Evidence for the Resurrection
• [50:48] - The Call to a Resurrected Life
• [53:24] - Don’t Stop at the Entrance: Fullness in Christ
• [57:59] - Discipleship Begins at Home
• [61:13] - Encouragement, Exhortation, and Walking Together
• [62:20] - Jesus’ Presence and Power for Transformation
• [63:30] - Questions for Reflection and Closing Prayer
• [65:22] - Ice Cream and Fellowship

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:1-20 (ESV) — Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 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. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” ... And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Observation Questions

1. What actions did the women take on the morning of the resurrection, and what was their attitude as they approached the tomb? ([32:06])
2. What supernatural events surrounded the resurrection, and how did the people present respond to them? ([30:58])
3. According to the passage, what instructions did Jesus give to his disciples after his resurrection? ([41:37])
4. What was the reaction of the disciples when they saw Jesus in Galilee, and how did Jesus respond to their doubts? ([41:37])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God chose to reveal the resurrection first to women who were acting in simple obedience, even though they didn’t know how things would work out? What does this say about the kind of faith God honors? ([32:59])
2. The sermon mentions that the resurrection is not just a historical event but the foundation for a radically changed life. What does it mean for someone’s life to be “radically changed” by the resurrection? ([50:48])
3. The Great Commission is described as the natural outflow of resurrection life. Why is making disciples so closely tied to the resurrection, and how does Jesus’ promise of his presence affect this mission? ([41:37])
4. The sermon talks about not settling for a “front gate” experience in the Christian life. What does it look like to move beyond just being forgiven to living a Spirit-filled, resurrected life? ([53:24])

Application Questions

1. The women went to the tomb in faithful obedience, not knowing how their problem (the stone) would be solved. Can you think of a time when you acted in obedience to God even though you didn’t know how things would work out? What happened as a result? ([32:59])
2. The resurrection is described as God’s ultimate demonstration of power and approval. Are there areas in your life where you need to remember or trust in God’s power and authority? How can you remind yourself of this truth this week? ([34:24])
3. The greatest evidence for the resurrection is seen in transformed lives. In what ways has your life changed since following Jesus? Are there areas where you still desire transformation? ([50:48])
4. The sermon warns against settling for just the “entrance” of salvation. Is there a part of your Christian walk where you feel stuck at the “front gate”? What would it look like for you to press into the fullness of life Jesus offers? ([53:24])
5. Jesus calls us to make disciples, starting with those closest to us. Who in your family or close circle might God be calling you to encourage, teach, or walk alongside in their faith? What is one step you can take this week? ([57:59])
6. The sermon describes discipleship as “walking with others in truth and love.” Is there someone you need to invite to walk with you, or someone you need to let disciple you? What’s holding you back? ([01:01:13])
7. Jesus promises, “I am with you always.” How does this promise affect your willingness to step out in faith, especially when you have doubts or fears? ([41:37])