Easter Sermon

Easter 2010

Mark 16.1-8

The women come to do something for Jesus but He is the one who does something for them.

• Can you take Him for a teacher and not a Lord?  No.
• Everything hangs on whether He rose from the dead, not whether you like His teaching or not.

The fact (of the resurrection) births faith (in the One resurrected).

• Like veil, like stone – don’t fret on getting in because God’s already out.
• There is no obstacle He hasn’t already moved.

Objection:  Death

• Some say Jesus simply didn’t die.
• The centurion said He did and His resurrected body got out of the tomb and walked to Emmaus.

Objection:  Body Snatchers

• Some say Jesus’ followers stole His body.
• This is the same crowd who deserted Him.
• This is the same crowd that died for Him – and no one knowingly dies for a lie.

Objection:  Movement

• Some say the authorities moved the body to a different place.
• Why not produce it to quash the growing movement that still threatens your power?

Objection:  Location

• Some say the women simply went to the wrong grave.
• 3 of 4 Gospel records are clear they saw where He was laid.

Objection:  Record

• Some say the scriptural records are inaccurate or fantasy.
• The budding church has nothing to gain by the women as the first to carry the message.
• Neither does the church gain by keeping the apostles’ foibles on record.

Response:  Surprise

• This often happens to those who think they have Jesus figured out.
• Even His own followers missed it – He can’t be contained or managed.
• His invitation:  “Come and see.”

Response:  Guilt

• Jesus wanted to see His disciples and them to know He was faithful.
• These are the same disciples who deserted Him and denied Him on Friday.
• You may have been unfaithful to Him, but He’s faithful to you.

Response:  Wreck

• The mixture of emotions shows how big the Resurrection really is.
• The women went on to be transformed and transform others through their message.
• He will wreck your life so He can give you his life.