Christ is Risen! Easter 2024
Notes
Transcript
Opening:
Christ is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed!
It is a beautiful thing to open the Word of God on Resurrection Sunday!
Introduction of the Passage:
This morning we will be looking at the account of the Resurrection from the Gospel of Luke. We will be covering a lot, so I will have to move fast. But we will be in Luke 24:1-49. We will cover this in three sections.
But why are we covering so many verses? That is because this morning I want us as a church to bask in the beauty of the account of the Resurrection. I want us to simply soak in the awe inspiring beauty of the fact that Jesus rose from the grave, just as He said He would.
Text Idea:
And this is what Luke is emphasizing in this passage. This is the account of Sunday. This all takes place on the day Christ rose. And Luke is emphasizing some very key things. All of Scripture points to Jesus. And Jesus is who He says He is. And Jesus did what He said He would do.
Sermon Idea:
So this morning, let us just hear the Word of God. Let us truly bask in the glory of our Resurrected Lord. Christ is Risen!
He is Risen indeed!
Prayer:
Let’s begin with prayer.
Our gracious Heavenly Father, we gather this Lord’s Day to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. We do this every Lord’s Day, but especially this Lord’s Day. Please open our hearts to hear Your word. Change us ever more into the image of Your Son. We ask this in Jesus name, amen.
Transition:
As we open our passage, we see in verses 1-12 the account of the woman at the Tomb. Would you stand with me out of reverence as we read the Word of God.
The Women at the Tomb.
The Women at the Tomb.
Luke 24:1–12 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.
Behold, the Word of God.
He is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed!
Explanation:
Just a little bit of context here, Luke 23 ends by showing the women begin to prepare the spices to anoint the body of Christ. They however are unable to complete this process because of the Sabbath. So early Sunday morning, they finish the preparations and go to tomb as soon as the Sun is up.
So Luke opens this account and shows the women going to prepare Jesus’ body. This was a common custom. They would anoint the body with various spices as a form of preservation. We know from other accounts that the women were concerned about the stone. Jesus was laid in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb. They had wrapped His body in linen. And the Roman guards had placed a stone over the Tomb and sealed it with a Roman seal. This was to show it was undisturbed. They knew Jesus had prophesied His resurrection, so they were being careful lest Jesus’ body be stolen.
So guards were stationed there, and the women came to the tomb. They were worried about how to roll the stone away, but they did not need to worry. As they come, they find the stone already rolled away. Now Luke does not record this, but in Matthew’s account, he tells us that the guards fainted in fear of the angels. So the women approach, and find the stone rolled away, the guards passed out in fear, and most importantly, no body. Jesus’ body is not there.
The shock of finding this scene is amplified by what happens next. They are greeted by two men in shining clothes. Matthew tells us that their clothes shone like lightning. Imagine the picture. These women are scared and confused. The massive stone has been rolled away with the Roman seal, the body of their beloved Lord is gone, and the guards are passed out in fear. And these Roman soldiers. These men do not get scared. These are the men who faced the Northern savages with courage and bravery. These are men who are trained from their youth in combat and bravery. What could have caused these men to simply pass out.
The answer is the presence of divine messengers from God’s throne. Two angels in the appearance of men clothed in lightning. The women are terrified. And justifiably so. It is understandable to be afraid of anything that makes a Roman soldier pass out in fear. So the women fall to the ground in fear. But the angels speak to them. And their message is incredible.
They ask them a question. “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” These are some of the most awe inspiring words I can imagine. Why do you seek Jesus, who is alive, in a graveyard? Why are you here? Jesus is not dead, so why would He be among the dead? They tell the women that He is not here, but that Jesus has risen! What words of hope! The terror of the night has gone, behold it is Sunday. Jesus is not dead. He has risen.
But beyond this, the angels remind the women of Jesus’ own words. “Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words,” Jesus had told them this would happen. They did not understand Jesus at the time, but now the blinders have come off and they remember.
So they rise, and they run back to the disciples who were all gathered in fear. They were afraid. Jesus has died. They were likely afraid that they were going to face similar death. The threat of Roman crucifixion is enough to scare anyone. So the women return and they tell all that has happened to the eleven. Remember, Judas has betrayed them and committed suicide. But the eleven are baffled. They don’t understand. They are lost and afraid. Likely, they are without sleep. Likely, they are massively depressed. So they do not believe the women. They think they are telling them a story. But Peter, Peter the ever bold one, runs to the tomb. We know John went with him and even beat him to the tomb. But Peter goes in and finds only the linen cloth the body of Christ was wrapped in. John tells us that the cloth had been folded and laid there.
Luke tells us then that Peter leaves, marvelling at what had happened. Now we don’t know what that means. Did Peter believe? John seems to indicate that Peter did not know what to think. And that is understandable. What on earth could all this mean? God had not yet removed the blinders from the apostle’s eyes. So Peter leaves confused and marveling.
Argumentation:
There is so much for us in this passage. But I want to hone in on the message of the angels. What is it that their message to the women teaches us?
Their central theme is this, Jesus did what He said He would do.
Jesus Did What He Said He Would Do.
Jesus Did What He Said He Would Do.
Listen again to what they say. Luke 24:6–7“6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”” The angels are directly quoting Jesus’ own words. Jesus said this in Luke 9:22 “22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”” But this is not the only time Jesus prophesied His own death and resurrection.
We must remember that Jesus is God. He knows all. And we see Him again and again prophesy His death and resurrection. Since we are in Luke this morning, let’s just examine a few of the times Jesus prophesies His death and resurrection in Luke’s gospel.
Luke 9:44–45“44 “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.”
Luke 17:25 “25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.”
Luke 18:31–34“31 And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32 For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. 33 And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” 34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.”
Luke 22:37 “37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.””
The disciples did not understand these sayings because God hid it from them as chapter 18 says. But Jesus knew what He was doing. And Jesus did exactly as He said. He said He would be handed over and suffer and die. He said He would rise on the third day. And the resurrection proves that Jesus is who He says He is because He did exactly what He said He would do.
Transition:
But we must continue on. There is much more that happened on Resurrection Sunday. The next section of Luke’s account of Resurrection Sunday is the account of what happened on the road to Emmaus. Would you stand with me as we read Luke 24:13-35.
On the Road to Emmaus.
On the Road to Emmaus.
Luke 24:13-35 13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 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?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Behold, the Word of God.
He is Risen!
He is Risen indeed!
Explanation:
This is a long account, so let’s hit the highlights. This is still the same day. Two disciples had heard the account of the women and then decide to leave. We do not know who these men were. One was named Cleopas. But that is all we know. They are walking on a road to a village called Emmaus, this is about seven miles from Jerusalem. As they are walking, they do the obvious. They were disciples of Jesus, so they talk about everything that has happened.
As they are walking, Jesus approaches them and begins to walk with them. Now God supernaturally blinded them. They did not recognize Jesus. So the risen Jesus comes along and asks them a question. Luke 24:17 “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad.” They stop dead in their tracks. They are heartbroken. Their hopes appear to them dashed against the rocks. And they are shocked. Who in Jerusalem could have gone without hearing about Jesus? So they ask Him how He could not have heard all the things that had happened. And He replies, “what things?”
So they answer. And their answer is profound. They tell them how Jesus was a prophet, mighty in word and deed and was crucified. They express their heartbreak. They had hoped He was the Messiah. But they are confused. How could Jesus be the Messiah if He died? Then they tell Him about how the women had found the empty tomb and seen angels just that morning. They express that they are confused.
So Jesus answers them. And just listen to Jesus’ answer. There is such power in these words. Luke 24:25–27“25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Jesus takes them to Scripture. He walks them through all the history and prophets of the Old Testament and reveals to them how He is the fulfilment of it all. Now if they are going to Emmaus, this is seven miles. This means that while walking they have a two to three hour long conversation with Jesus. Imagine having a three hour Bible study with Jesus where He shows you how all the types, shadows, and prophesies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Him. This is amazing!
They arrive at the village and Jesus just keeps walking. They beg Him to stay with them, and Jesus does. He goes to the house with them. He blesses the meal, grabs the bread and breaks it. As the bread breaks, God unveils their eyes and they see it is Jesus who has been with them. As they recognize this, Jesus vanishes. He just disappears.
So what do they do? They immediately get us and go back to Jerusalem. They don’t care it is evening. They get back up and likely run to Jerusalem. They are so excited! And they say 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?” What amazing words! Even before they knew it was Christ, their hearts were burning inside them as Jesus Himself opened the Scriptures to them.
So they trek back to Jerusalem and tell the apostles what has happened. And as they arrive they are amazed to hear this response, Luke 24:34 “34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”” Jesus has appeared to Simon as well. And this is where we get the common refrain:
He is Risen!
He is Risen indeed!
So they begin to share all that they have seen.
Argumentation:
But I want to hone in on something. What did Jesus teach these two disciples? He taught them that all of Scripture points to Him. Indeed:
All of Scripture Points to Christ.
All of Scripture Points to Christ.
This is such an incredible message. Jesus walked these disciples through the Old Testament. He walked them through Moses, which is the history section of the Old Testament. This would be Genesis through Deuteronomy. He walks them through the prophets. This would be Isaiah through Malachi. And he shows them all the things concerning Himself. He shows them how ever prophesy, every type and shadow relate to Him and His work. The Bible is about Christ. And Jesus walks them through this. What a marvel!
And we must remember this. Scripture prophesied Christ’s death and resurrection.
Scripture Prophesied Christ’s Death and Resurrection.
Scripture Prophesied Christ’s Death and Resurrection.
Now we do not have enough time in our day to show every prophesy. But just listen to one. Just one. Listen to:
Isaiah 53:3-12 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.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 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.
6 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.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?
9 And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors.
Jesus fulfills this to the letter. He is the one who was prophesied in the Old Testament. He is the One who is revealed in the New Testament. The Bible prophesied Christ and He came fulfilled it all. He died, as the Word says. He rose as the Word says. He paid for our sins. He is alive forevermore. We shall be with Him forever. All as the Word says.
Transition:
But there is one more thing that Luke records happening on Resurrection Sunday. Jesus appears to the Disciples. Stand with me once more for the reading of verses 36-49.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples.
Luke 24:36-49 36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them.
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Behold, the Word of God.
He is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed!
Explanation:
It is so amazing to me that this all happens on the same day. The two from the road arrive and while they are all talking, Jesus appears in their midst. Just as He vanished from the two, so He appears among them all. He is just there. Apparently this is something a resurrected and glorified body can do. Jesus is just there with them. He greats them with “Peace to you.” And they are afraid. Obviously they are afraid. And they understandably think Jesus is a ghost. But Jesus assures them.
He has them touch Him. He is flesh and blood. He is no ghost. He has a body. And in His body He still bears the scars of crucifixion. He is no spirit, but truly human. Jesus is truly God and truly man. His resurrected body has not changed this. But to provide double proof to His disciples, He eats with them. Ghosts and spirits do not eat. But Jesus as truly man, ate with them.
Then Jesus teaches them. He reveals again the Scriptures. He reminds them of His words and hoe He is the fulfilment of all written about the messiah in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms. This is the whole of the Old Testament.
Listen once more to the words of our risen Savior. Luke 24:44–48 “44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.”
Argumentation:
Christ is the fulfilment of all the prophesies laid down thousands of years ago in the Old Testament. But what do I want us to walk away with from these passages. Beloved, know this:
Jesus Truly Rose From the Dead.
Jesus Truly Rose From the Dead.
Luke in writing his gospel account set out to interview the eye witnesses. He laid out his account as a reliable history. And this is certain. Jesus is truly alive. He truly rose for the dead. It is certainty that we say:
He is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed!
And Paul makes this same point. Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:1–9“1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”
This is one of my favorite passages. Paul is demonstrating the reality of the resurrection of Christ. Paul is giving this as a defense of the resurrection. And he says that Jesus rose from the grave, and that Jesus appeared to Peter, to the Apostles, and to five hundred at one time. Then Paul says most of those are still alive when he wrote this. Paul is telling his audience to go an ask these people. Go an verify what happened.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most verified events in human history. Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried, and rose on the third day.
But there is hope here. The resurrection of Jesus gives us hope. How? The resurrection of Christ proves we are saved.
The Resurrection of Christ Proves We Are Saved.
The Resurrection of Christ Proves We Are Saved.
In Paul’s writing, he is confronting some who denied the resurrection. They did not see the hope contained in it. So listen to how Paul answers the question of the hope the resurrection gives.
1 Corinthians 15:12–19“12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
If Christ did not raise from the dead, then we are without hope. Our entire message is in vain. But listen to these closing words.
1 Corinthians 15:20–21“20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.”
Christ did raise from the dead. Christ rose. He appeared to the apostles. He appeared to five hundred at once. And because Christ rose, we know that we are saved. We have hope because our Lord is not dead. He is alive forevermore. He died, paying the price for our sins. He rose proving who He is. He rose proving He did pay for our sins.
Transition:
This is what we walk away with.
Conclusion:
Christ Jesus died the death we deserved. But He did not stay dead. He rose from the grave. Death could not hold Him. He rose from grave sealing His victory over sin and death.
Visualization:
The resurrection of Christ is the central event of Christianity. it is this that gives us hope. Our Lord is not dead. Our Lord is alive. He arose from the grave. He ascended into heaven. He is seated with all authority and power. He will return again to judge the living and the dead.
Application:
And this is what I ask you:
Are You Trusting in Christ?
Are You Trusting in Christ?
I cannot see your heart. Where is your faith? You are a sinner. All of have sinned. We have broken God’s Law. Because of this, we all deserve eternal punishment in hell. So where is your faith? What are you trusting in? When you stand before God, what will you say? “I tried to do good”? Did you? Did you do enough? I tell you that we can never do enough. Our sin clings to us because it is part of us. No one is good enough. Scripture tells us that even our righteousness is as filthy rags before God.
If you are trusting in yourself, you have no hope. But I tell you this, there is one to have hope in. Jesus came and lived the perfect life. He never sinned. He kept God’s law perfectly. And He died the death you and I deserve. He paid the price. And He proved this by rising from the dead. If you will trust in Him, you will be saved. If you have faith in His death on your behalf, you will be saved. All your sins will be forgiven. You will be made new. You will be white as snow. Washed clean.
And for those who are washed clean before God through the death of Christ in our place, we have hope. Why? Because Christ rose again and promised us new life. This is why, for us, this day is a day to celebrate! We can rejoice!
Rejoice in the King Who Conquered Death!
Rejoice in the King Who Conquered Death!
Today is a day to celebrate. We celebrate today because death could not hold our Lord. Death was defeated. He has crushed the power of the grave. In Him we have new life! Let us rejoice! Let us celebrate!
Appeal:
Beloved, hear these words and rejoice!
He is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed!
Closing Prayer:
Offering:
Offertory Prayer:
Benediction:
1 Corinthians 15:55 55 O death, where is thy sting? O tgrave, where is thy victory?
Christ is victorious!
He is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed!