Why the Resurrection Matters
Luke 24:1-53 details the entire Resurrection Day, beginning just as the sun begins to come up, going late into the night, and concluding a few weeks later when Jesus ascends back into heaven.
In the midst of this amazing account of this day that literally changed EVERYTHING, we find several things.
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Scroll on for a summary of the chapter in a few concise bullet points (in 567 words):
• On the first day of the week
We gather each Sunday for worship because that’s the day Jesus rose from the dead. The resurrection is the catalyst for Christian worship. It’s a day we set aside for worship, fellowship, and giving offerings.
• The resurrection was unexpected in spite of Jesus predicting it. The women were coming to care for His body. The disciples didn’t believe their report that He was alive. It takes a supernatural work of God for us to believe. Faith itself is a gift of God.
• The first instinct is to tell others. Both the women and the disciples, as soon as they knew Jesus was alive, rushed to tell others. Why is it that their first instinct is often the last we want to do?
• Jesus taught Sola Scriptura. With both the disciples on the road to Emmaus and the disciples gathered, Jesus pointed them to the Scriptures rather than something else. Note too that He often said to the pharisees, “have you not read?” Remember the supreme importance of the Word.
• There is no hope without Christ. In verse 21, they say, “we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel” reminding us that our only hope is found in Christ. He came to redeem His people (Ephesians 1:7)
• The Entire Bible is about Jesus. Verse 27 makes that abundantly clear. “beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.”
• Does your heart burn for His Word? The response of the two disciples is one we should pray for in our own lives. “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was opening the Scriptures to us?”
• Three things about the Resurrection:
1. Jesus is victorious over sin and death. We are fighting a defeated foe. The battle is already won!
2. We can glorify God because Jesus is alive. He enables us to live a Christ exalting life.
3. You can be reconciled to God!
• We have three tasks:
1. Worship Him 24/7/365
2. Live Joyfully
3. Regularly gather for Worship.
Resurrection Implications:
Several certain realities that we, as Christians, can now live in!
• Salvation’s work is complete!
Jesus’ work on our behalf is done! There’s nothing more to do.
• Jesus sits at the right hand of God
He’s been exalted, crowned, sits in the place of authority, and is the head of the church.
• We Have the Holy Spirit
It is to our advantage that Jesus ascended, so that the Holy Spirit would come!
• Jesus is preparing a place for us
John 14:6 – If I go and prepare a place…
• Jesus has given us gifts
The church, leaders, Spiritual gifts…
Don’t forget the final two!
• He Sat down
His current ministry to us is interceding to the Father on our behalf.
When you pray for someone, you’re representing this work in a personal way. Always be ready to pray for others. It’s a fantastic way to minister to them.
• HE’S COMING BACK!!!
This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”
Live in light of the resurrection. Keep these realities, these implications in mind as significant factors in the rhythm of your daily life.
Grace & Peace
Pastor Rob