Trusting in the Power of the Resurrection
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, focusing on the phrase "as he said" from Matthew's account. This phrase underscores the reliability and trustworthiness of Jesus' words and promises. Throughout His ministry, Jesus foretold His death and resurrection, and His fulfillment of these prophecies is a testament to His divine authority and faithfulness. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a cornerstone of our faith, providing assurance that we can trust Jesus with our lives and eternal destiny.
We often place our trust in everyday situations, like driving a car or flying in an airplane, without much thought. Yet, when it comes to our spiritual lives, we sometimes hesitate to trust Jesus fully. The resurrection challenges us to trust Him completely, not only for our salvation but also for our daily lives. Jesus' victory over death assures us that He is capable of handling any challenge we face.
Moreover, the resurrection empowers us to live without fear. In a world where fear is pervasive, Jesus' triumph over the grave reminds us that we have nothing to fear. He is alive, and His presence is with us always, providing comfort and strength. This assurance allows us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that our Savior is in control.
Jesus' resurrection also gives us a mission: to make disciples of all nations. This mission is not just a task but a purpose that infuses our lives with meaning. As followers of Christ, we are called to share the good news of His resurrection and the hope it brings. This mission is a collective endeavor, requiring us to be disciples who make disciples, spreading the message of Jesus' love and redemption.
Finally, the resurrection points us to the future. Jesus promised that He would return, and His resurrection is a guarantee of that promise. As we await His return, we are called to live in anticipation, ready for the day when He will set all things right. The resurrection fuels our hope and encourages us to live with our eyes fixed on eternity.
Key Takeaways:
- Trust in Jesus' Promises: Jesus' resurrection is a testament to His faithfulness and reliability. Just as He fulfilled His promise to rise from the dead, we can trust Him with our lives and eternal destiny. His words are true, and His promises are sure. [11:11]
- Living Without Fear: The resurrection assures us that we do not have to live in fear. Jesus' victory over death means that He is with us always, providing comfort and strength. In a world filled with fear, we can live boldly, knowing that our Savior is in control. [19:14]
- Our Mission to Make Disciples: The resurrection gives us a mission to make disciples of all nations. This mission is not just a task but a purpose that infuses our lives with meaning. As followers of Christ, we are called to share the good news of His resurrection and the hope it brings. [24:29]
- The Assurance of Jesus' Return: Jesus' resurrection is a guarantee of His promised return. As we await His return, we are called to live in anticipation, ready for the day when He will set all things right. The resurrection fuels our hope and encourages us to live with our eyes fixed on eternity. [36:46]
- The Presence of Jesus in Our Lives: Jesus' resurrection means that He is alive and with us always. We are never alone, and His presence provides comfort and strength in times of loneliness and uncertainty. This assurance allows us to live confidently, knowing that our Savior is with us every step of the way. [34:03]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:04] - The Significance of "As He Said"
- [11:11] - Trusting Jesus' Promises
- [14:21] - Living Without Fear
- [19:14] - Fear in Society
- [24:29] - Authority and Mission
- [28:19] - The Story of Redemption
- [30:32] - The Unique Message of Christianity
- [34:03] - Jesus' Presence in Our Lives
- [36:46] - The Assurance of Jesus' Return
- [40:40] - Are You Ready for His Return?
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 28:1-20
- Matthew 12:40
- Matthew 16:21
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Observation Questions:
1. What phrase in Matthew 28:6 does the angel use to remind the women at the tomb of Jesus' promise? How does this phrase emphasize the reliability of Jesus' words? [05:04]
2. According to the sermon, what are some everyday situations where we place our trust without much thought? How does this compare to trusting Jesus with our spiritual lives? [11:11]
3. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus speaks about authority. What does He say about His authority, and how does this relate to His resurrection? [24:29]
4. What mission does Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, and how does this mission provide purpose to believers? [24:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the phrase "as he said" in Matthew 28:6 serve as a testament to Jesus' faithfulness and reliability? What does this imply about the nature of His promises? [05:04]
2. The sermon mentions that fear is pervasive in society. How does Jesus' resurrection challenge the notion of living in fear, according to the sermon? [19:14]
3. What does it mean for Jesus to have "all authority in heaven and on earth" as stated in Matthew 28:18? How does this authority impact the lives of believers? [24:29]
4. The sermon discusses the mission to make disciples. How does this mission infuse the lives of believers with meaning and purpose? [24:29]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to trust Jesus with a significant aspect of your life. How can the assurance of His resurrection help you trust Him more fully now? [11:11]
2. In what areas of your life do you find fear creeping in? How can the reality of Jesus' victory over death empower you to live without fear? [19:14]
3. Jesus' resurrection gives us a mission to make disciples. Identify one person in your life who you can share the hope of the resurrection with this week. What steps will you take to engage them in a spiritual conversation? [24:29]
4. How does the assurance of Jesus' return influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes might you need to make to live with your eyes fixed on eternity? [36:46]
5. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus is always with us. In moments of loneliness or uncertainty, how can you remind yourself of His presence and find comfort in it? [34:03]
6. Consider the authority of Jesus in your life. Are there areas where you struggle to submit to His authority? How can you work towards aligning your life more closely with His teachings? [24:29]
7. The sermon highlights the importance of living in anticipation of Jesus' return. What practical steps can you take to prepare yourself spiritually for His promised return? [40:40]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in the Certainty of Jesus' Promises
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a powerful testament to the reliability of His words and promises. Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke of His death and resurrection, and His fulfillment of these prophecies demonstrates His divine authority and faithfulness. This event is not merely a historical occurrence but a foundational truth that assures us we can trust Jesus with our lives and eternal destiny. His words are true, and His promises are sure, providing us with a solid foundation upon which to build our faith. [11:11]
Matthew 24:35 (ESV): "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."
Reflection: What is one promise of Jesus that you struggle to fully trust? How can you begin to rely on His faithfulness in this area today?
Day 2: Embrace a Life Free from Fear
The resurrection assures us that we do not have to live in fear. Jesus' victory over death means that He is with us always, providing comfort and strength. In a world filled with fear, we can live boldly, knowing that our Savior is in control. This assurance allows us to face life's challenges with courage and confidence, trusting that Jesus is capable of handling any situation we encounter. [19:14]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Identify a specific fear that holds you back. How can you invite Jesus into this fear and allow His presence to bring you peace and courage?
Day 3: Live Out the Mission of Making Disciples
The resurrection gives us a mission to make disciples of all nations. This mission is not just a task but a purpose that infuses our lives with meaning. As followers of Christ, we are called to share the good news of His resurrection and the hope it brings. This mission is a collective endeavor, requiring us to be disciples who make disciples, spreading the message of Jesus' love and redemption. [24:29]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can intentionally invest in and disciple? What steps can you take this week to begin that journey?
Day 4: Anticipate the Assurance of Jesus' Return
Jesus' resurrection is a guarantee of His promised return. As we await His return, we are called to live in anticipation, ready for the day when He will set all things right. The resurrection fuels our hope and encourages us to live with our eyes fixed on eternity, knowing that our present struggles are temporary and that a glorious future awaits us. [36:46]
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."
Reflection: How does the promise of Jesus' return influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes can you make to live more intentionally in light of eternity?
Day 5: Experience the Presence of Jesus in Your Life
Jesus' resurrection means that He is alive and with us always. We are never alone, and His presence provides comfort and strength in times of loneliness and uncertainty. This assurance allows us to live confidently, knowing that our Savior is with us every step of the way, guiding and supporting us through life's journey. [34:03]
Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel alone or uncertain? How can you invite Jesus' presence into these areas and rely on His guidance and strength?
Quotes
So as he said, one of the first things that we want to talk about today is how that Jesus kept his word. I mean, that's what's implicit with the statement here is when the angels are saying this. And you have to understand that in the scriptures, Jesus had promised multiple times that he was going to rise from the dead. In fact, in Matthew's account alone, we have several passages where it shows that Jesus had told them that he was going to rise from the dead. [00:06:44] (30 seconds)
He said that he was going to do something miraculous, and he did it. He said that he was going to fulfill Scripture, and he did it. All these things that you see, all those prophecies, the things that came true, shows that we can trust Jesus. Jesus did exactly what he said he was going to do, even though it was going to be at great cost to himself, and was extremely difficult. [00:10:44] (27 seconds)
But when those moments come, and when the moment comes where you're wondering what the future holds, or wondering if you can trust God, that's when you need to go back to the resurrection. That's when you need to go back and say, you know, he promised this, and it happened, and we can trust him for these things. And there's going to be moments in your life, there will be moments in your life where you struggle with doubt, and where you struggle with, you know, trying to find a way forward. [00:13:16] (30 seconds)
You see, Jesus, he says to these people, he says, don't be afraid. I'm here. Basically, he's saying the fact that I'm here means that you don't have to be afraid. Okay? The fact that I'm alive, you don't have to be afraid. And that same principle carries into our everyday life here. The fact that Jesus is alive, we do not have to live in fear. [00:19:59] (23 seconds)
We live in a culture where we are constantly crippled by fear or being afraid or anxiety. And are there reasons for that at times? Sure. But we have to keep it in his proper place. And when we look to Jesus, a risen Savior, we can see those fears mitigated. We can see them put in their proper place. And we can see them that he is worth following and trusting because we have assurance from Jesus that we don't need to be afraid. [00:20:46] (31 seconds)
So this is the thing that he's saying, okay, I've risen from the dead. You don't have to be afraid. You don't have to live your life in fear. And there is an authority in your life. And while we may not always like that, there's safety in that. Because now we know who to obey. And not only that, we know what to do. He continues on here in this text where he says, all authority has been given to me, verse 19, go therefore and make disciples of all nations. [00:25:03] (26 seconds)
This is what the risen Savior gives us. We don't have to live in fear. We have an authority that's governing our lives and we have a mission to accomplish. Our life has a purpose here. And it's told us that we need to make disciples of all nations. Now in verse 19 to 20, there's only one command there and that's to make disciples. The other words that seem like commands actually tell us how to fulfill those, that command to make disciples here. [00:25:48] (24 seconds)
You know, we deal with things, the effects of sin all the time. But you know, in that very same text in Genesis, Genesis chapter 3, we have it, we have the first mention of the gospel really of that, how that there's a promise that there's going to be someone who's going to come as a redeemer. And so that's what the Old Testament's about. The Old Testament's all about God working his plan and showing how that man could never earn their own way to salvation. [00:28:39] (29 seconds)
And then he rises again. You see, if Jesus didn't live the life of perfect obedience, the death really wouldn't matter. So here we have, again, the difference of all the major religions is that God has now become off the mountain, become man. He's lived life in Jesus Christ as a human. And he's lived a perfect life. He's died an unjust death. And then he rises again. [00:30:40] (20 seconds)
And so this Easter Sunday, lean into that. That the rest of the story is that he's coming back. The rest of the story is that he's preparing that day. The rest of the story is, you remember when the disciples, that Jesus had told them, I told you in the beginning, how he told them many times he was going to rise from the dead and they were surprised by it. But listen, Jesus has told us many times that he is coming back, and I wonder how many of us are going to be really surprised by that. [00:38:21] (25 seconds)
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