Part 2: The Crucifixion Of Jesus - Matthew 27:32-50 - And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1. Without question, the crucifixion of Jesus was a terrible event...

a. It was an excruciating and painful way to die, which Jesus was willing to accept without painkilling drugs - Matthew 27:32-35 - And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

b. It was a shameful way to die, mocked by those who watched, crucified with common thieves - Matthew 27:36-44 - And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

c. Along with the physical suffering, there was the spiritual agony - Matthew 27:45-50 - Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

 

2. While there may be a place for contemplating upon the actual physical agony Jesus endured...

a. Jesus did not want people to weep for Him, but for themselves - cf. Luke 23:26-31 - And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

b. Even on the cross, His concern for others was evident - cf. Luke 23:34 - Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

 

-- So the purpose of the crucifixion was not just to engender pity for Jesus

 

[The significance and lessons to be learned from the crucifixion go far beyond feeling sorry for what Jesus suffered. For example, we should never forget that “The Crucifixion Of Jesus” is...]

 

I. THE CONDEMNATION OF SIN

 

A. JESUS DIED BECAUSE OF SIN...

 

1. As foretold, He died for our sins - 1 Corinthians 15:3 - Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.; Isaiah 53:5-6 - But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

 

2. He gave Himself for our sins - Galatians 1:4 - Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

 

3. He bore our sins on the cross - 1 Peter 2:24 - Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

 

-- May the thought of the crucifixion remind us of our own sinfulness and the need for redemption - 1 John 1:8-10 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

 

B. JESUS KILLED SIN...

 

1. He condemned sin in the flesh through His death - Romans 8:3 - For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

 

2. Now making it possible for sinners to destroy their own body of sin, when united with Him by baptism into His death - Romans 6:3-6 - Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

 

-- May the thought of the crucifixion remind us of our responsibility to crucify the sinful passions of the flesh - Galatians 5:24 - And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. ; Colossians 3:5-11 - Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

 

[To motivate us in our efforts to let Jesus’ death help us deal with the problem of sin, we should also remember that “The Crucifixion Of Jesus” is...]

 

II. THE REVELATION OF LOVE

 

A. JESUS DIED BECAUSE OF LOVE...

 

1. The love of the Father for a lost world - John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.; Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 

2. The love of the Son - Ephesians 5:2 - And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

 

-- May our contemplation of the crucifixion never neglect the love that was behind the fact - 1 John 4:9-10 - In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 

B. JESUS THEREBY DEMONSTRATED WHAT TRUE LOVE IS...

 

1. We now understand what true love is - 1 John 3:16 - Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.; John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

 

2. It is this love which is the pattern for our love - John 13:34-35 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.; John 15:12 - This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

 

-- May our contemplation of the crucifixion remind us of the high standard of love we are called to show toward one another - 1 John 4:11 - Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

 

[As we strive to overcome sin and love one another, assisted and motivated by the death of Jesus on the cross, we should also be mindful that “The Crucifixion Of Jesus” is...]

 

III. THE REDEMPTION OF THE WORLD

 

A. JESUS DIED FOR ALL...

 

1. God desires all men to be saved, not desiring any to perish - 1 Timothy 2:3-6 - For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.; 2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

 

2. Therefore He offered Jesus as a propitiation for all - 1 John 2:1-2 - My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

 

-- May our meditation upon the crucifixion include thinking about the need of others

 

B. JESUS IS THE WORLD’S ONLY HOPE...

 

1. He is the only way to the Father - John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

2. Only in His name is there salvation to be found - Acts 4:12 - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

 

3. Deny the Son, and one does not have the Father - 1 John 2:23 - Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

 

4. Abide in His doctrine, and one has both the Father and the Son - 2 John 1:9 - Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

 

-- May our meditation upon the crucifixion move us to do what we can to proclaim the message of redemption to those lost in sin - cf. 2 Corinthians 5:18-6:1 - And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

 

[And so the death of Jesus on the cross should prompt us to look both inward and outward, to address both our spiritual needs and those of others. To what extent may be required in these areas, we should also view “The Crucifixion Of Jesus” as...]

 

IV. THE INSPIRATION OF SACRIFICE

 

A. JESUS PROVIDED THE EXAMPLE...

 

1. His death demonstrated the mind of humility - Philippians 2:3-8 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 

2. His suffering demonstrated the example of suffering patiently - 1 Peter 2:20-24 - For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

 

-- May our reflection upon the crucifixion move us to consider what His sacrifice should inspire us to do

 

B. JESUS’ SACRIFICE IS DESIGNED TO INSPIRE US...

 

1. To walk in love - Ephesians 5:2 - And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

 

2. To walk in humility - Philippians 2:3-5 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

 

3. To suffer patiently when mistreated for doing good - 1 Peter 2:20-24 - For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

 

4. To give of ourselves to others - 2 Corinthians 8:9 - For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.; 1 John 3:16-18 - Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

 

CONCLUSION

 

1. Certainly more could be said about “The Crucifixion Of Jesus”

 

2. But perhaps these few thoughts will increase our appreciation of this significant event...

a. His death is the condemnation of sin

b. His death is the revelation of love

c. His death is the redemption of the world

d. His death is the inspiration of sacrifice

 

3. Have you taken advantage of what “The Crucifixion Of Jesus” means for you...?

a. Have you been crucified with Christ?

b. Are you putting to death the deeds of the flesh?

c. Are you growing in love?

d. Are you concerned and doing something about the redemption of the world?

e. Are you inspired in your service to your brethren and the lost by the example of Jesus’ sacrifice?

 

In the words of the apostle Paul: “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?” - 2 Corinthians 6:1

Part 3: The Significance Of The Resurrection - Matthew 28:1-10 - In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1. According to the four gospels, Jesus rose from the dead following His crucifixion...

a. Matthew records how the women found the tomb empty and were instructed by an angel to tell the disciples - Matthew 28:1-8 - In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

b. Also how Jesus appeared to them as they were on their way - Matthew 28:9-10 - And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

 

-- In all, the New Testament records ten distinct resurrection appearances of Christ prior to His ascension to heaven

 

2. The significance of the resurrection of Jesus to the Christian faith cannot be overestimated...

a. It has great significance for one who has yet to believe in Jesus

b. It also has great significance for those who are Christians

 

[In this study, we shall consider “The Significance Of The Resurrection” for both unbelievers and believers...]

 

I. FOR THE UNBELIEVER

 

A. IT VERIFIES THE DEITY OF JESUS...

 

1. The resurrection proves that Jesus truly is the Son of God - Romans 1:4 - And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

 

2. It also demonstrates that He truly has all authority in heaven and on earth - Matthew 28:18 - And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. ; Acts 2:36 - Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

 

B. IT VERIFIES THE TRUTHFULNESS OF JESUS...

 

1. Jesus foretold His resurrection on three occasions - Matthew 16:21 - From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. ; Matthew 17:22-23 - And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.; Matthew 20:17-19 - And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

a. If Jesus was telling the truth in describing His suffering and resurrection...

b. ...then He was telling the truth in everything else He said

 

-- Would God raise a liar?

 

2. Therefore the following teachings of Jesus are true:

a. He was from the Father above, and spoke the words of the Father - John 8:28-29 - Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

b. No one can come to the Father but through Him - John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

c. His blood was shed for the remission of sins - Matthew 26:28 - For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

d. He came to offer abundant life - John 10:10 - Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

e. He went to prepare a place for us - John 14:2 - And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

f. He shall come again - John14:3 - For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

g. There will be a resurrection of the dead and ensuing judgment - John 5:28-29 - Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.; John 12:48 - He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. ; Acts 17:30-31 - And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

 

[If Jesus was in fact raised from the dead, “The Significance Of The Resurrection” for the unbeliever is enormous! It forces the unbeliever to come face to face with reality, and the need to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus has even more significance...

 

II. FOR THE BELIEVER

 

A. IF JESUS HAS NOT BEEN RAISED...

 

1. Gospel preaching is vain - 1 Corinthians 15:14 - And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

a. The preaching of the apostles is empty, meaningless

b. There would be no purpose in preaching about a liar, or lunatic

 

2. Our faith is vain - 1 Corinthians 15:14 - And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

a. Our belief in Christ would also be empty, meaningless

b. For our faith would be in a liar, or lunatic

 

3. The apostles were false witnesses - 1 Corinthians 15:15 - Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

a. They swore that God raised Jesus from the dead - Acts 2:32 - This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

b. They claimed to spend 40 days with Him after the resurrection, eating and drinking with Him - Acts 10:39-41 - And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

c. There is no way they could have been deceived or mistaken - either they told the truth

or they were deliberate liars, deceivers, and frauds!

 

4. We are still in our sins - 1 Corinthians 15:17 - And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

a. It would have been a liar or lunatic that died on the cross

b. No such person could have provided a sacrifice that was holy and without blemish

 

5. Believers have perished at death - 1 Corinthians 15:18 - Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

a. Their faith would have been in a false Messiah

b. They would have had no atonement for their sins

c. Dying in their sins, there would be no hope

 

6. Christians are to be pitied - 1 Corinthians 15:19 - If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

a. Because we believe in a false Messiah

b. Because our faith in Him leads us to refrain from much worldly pleasure

c. Because we are often ridiculed or persecuted for our faith

 

B. IF JESUS HAS BEEN RAISED...

 

1. It verifies our justification - Romans 4:24-25 - But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

a. Jesus claimed His blood would be adequate - cf. Matthew 26:28 - For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

b. By raising Jesus from the dead, God demonstrated His acceptance of Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins! - cf. Romans 8:33-34 - Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

 

2. It demonstrates the power available to the Christian - Ephesians 1:18-20 - The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

a. Power available at our conversion - cf. Colossians 2:11-12 -In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.; 1 Peter 3:21 - The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

b. Power available to live the Christian life - cf. Romans 8:11-13 - But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.; Philippians 2:12-13 - Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.; Philippians 4:13 -  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.; Ephesians 3:20 - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, ; Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

 

3. It gives us hope concerning our own resurrection - 1 Peter 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

a. His resurrection gives us a living hope! - 1 Peter 1:21 - Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

b. Especially concerning the resurrection of believers! - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

 

4. It demands our complete loyalty to Him - Romans 14:9 - For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

a. He was raised and then exalted to become our Lord - cf. Acts 2:32-36 - This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.; Ephesians 1:20-23 - Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

b. Thus our lives and service belong to Him - cf. Romans 14:7-8 - For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.; 2 Corinthians 5:15 - And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

 

CONCLUSION

 

1. The impact of the resurrection of Jesus should not go unfelt in our lives...

a. As a historical event it has everlasting implications

b. For both the unbeliever and believer

 

2. The unbeliever needs to examine the evidence for the resurrection carefully...

a. The nature of the testimony provided by the witnesses

b. The unfeasibility of alternative explanations for the empty tomb

 

-- For if Jesus be raised from the dead, one must believe in Him! - John 8:24 - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

 

3. The believer must never lose sight of the significance of the resurrection...

a. Do our lives demonstrate that we serve a risen Lord and Savior?

b. Do we possess the hope, peace, and strength that the reality and power of His resurrection gives to the Christian?

 

May we never forget “The Significance Of The Resurrection” of Jesus Christ in our lives!

 

Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

Mark 16:15-16 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

 

Prayer: Lord I truly thank You for giving me the opportunity to present these words to my brethrens. I pray that You will give them Your eternal blessings and accept them into Your heart - this  I pray in the name of Thy Son, Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son which Ye sent to save mankind from themselves. Amen

 

Ephesians 6:23-24 - Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

 

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