March 31, 2024
THE PROMISE OF EASTER
March 31, 2024
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Friday. The day Jesus Christ was taken by Roman legions to Pilate, Herod, and leaders of the Jews. He was beaten beyond imagination, crucified on a cross, and buried in a tomb. The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, graves were opened, and the dead came out and walked the city. Saturday? Saturday was silent as people absorbed the tremendous pain of losing a friend, King, son. Sunday morning? The empty tomb announced to the world that Jesus had conquered death and Satan had lost. Sunday was a day of rejoicing as the disciples, the women, and Christians through the ages celebrate His resurrection. But Saturday was silent. Do you ever have a “Saturday” in crisis, when you feel God is silent? Then He answers for He has heard you, He loves you, and is with you. Saturday can be long. Stay strong if you are living through a Saturday now, for Sunday is coming.
Focal Passages: Matthew 28:1-7, 27:45-50; Luke 24:1; Luke 23:54-56-24:1-12.
THE FIRST EASTER MORNING:
A. CHAOS
- Read Matt. 28:2. In Matt. 27:51-54 an earthquake occurred when Jesus died on the cross; when did the second one happen? Matthew is the only gospel that includes the earthquake; what does he link to it? What did the angel do? Why was he on the stone?
- Can you imagine for a moment if you were the angel, how would you have felt to be the one to tell the women that Jesus is alive? What else was in chaos that Sunday morning?
- FEAR
- Read vv. 4-5 and Matt 27:62-66. Who supplied the guards for the tomb? What do you think they looked like? What were they to do? Read Mt. 28:11-15. What happened? Did the guards know the truth?
- Why did the angel tell the women not to be afraid?
- UNCERTAINTY
- Why were the common people experiencing so much uncertainty? What were the disciples and apostles uncertain about? If we have inner stress because of an uncertain immediate future, what do we normally do? What does Phil. 4:6 tell us?
- Does anyone recall the percentage of people who are extremely (or very, very) worried about what is going to happen? What percentage of your worries never happens?
THE EXPECTATIONS:
A. HOPELESSNESS
- Read Matt. 27: 45-50. On Friday, this was the scenario that had taken place. If you saw someone beaten so badly you could hardly tell He was a man (Isaiah 52:14), would you expect Him to be alive again on Sunday? Why would you feel a sense of hopelessness?
- When Jesus said, “It is finished!” did the disciples believe He had given up?
- LOSS
- Read verse 45. What were some reasons for the darkness? Do you realize that Jesus was still alive during those three hours of darkness?
- Could He possibly have been fighting the battle with the powers of darkness during this time? How would the people have reacted?
- DEATH
- Read verse 50. Would you expect any of those who had watched in horror feel an ambivalence in their spirit as they tried to accept the fact that He was dead?
- Can you share if you’ve ever known anyone unable to accept that a loved one has died?
THE RESIGNATION:
- Read Matt. 28:5b. Why did the women go to the tomb on Sunday morning?
- Read Luke 24:1. If they took spices, what did they expect to find? Did they have any hope at all?
THE PROMISE:
- Read Matt. 28:6-7. What “tense” is used in the first sentence? Why? What tense did the angel use in verse 6b? Why?
- Read John 14:1-3. What is the promise Jesus gives? Can we believe it?
Close:
This morning it was said that today, Easter Sunday (or Resurrection Sunday), approximately 43% of Americans will be in church. That means 57% will not be. Some could be working. Some in the church today might be unsaved. Still, that margin is too great: it means many people—perhaps even those who are doing “civil” good—may be going to hell.
As we read the gospels for the true story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it should move us to tears that He would undergo such agony for us. It was done for one reason: He love us so much He wants us to be with Him in heaven for eternity. It won’t be this flawed, sinful person we are now: we will be a new creature with a new heart, loving everyone and being loved. Why would anyone want to turn that down? Or put it off till a more convenient time? What does the world give you that is so great you would choose to spend eternity in hell rather than turn to Christ? You may not have long to decide—do it while you can.
By Sandy Day
March 31, 2024