He Is Risen

Background Scripture: Matthew 28; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24
Lesson Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Introduction

The angel’s message, “He is not here, He is risen!” is not only central to Christian faith but to God’s very work of redemption. Though salvation would not be complete without Christ’s birth, ministry, and death, the resurrection is what makes both our faith and our redemption complete. It wrought such change in the apostles and martyrs that they willingly laid down their lives. This transforming power has not diminished even though two thousand years have passed. The extent to which our own eternal destiny is altered by this event depends on us allowing the power which raised Christ from the dead to transform our thoughts, priorities, and actions to align with God’s will.

Key Verse

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Phil. 3:10).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

A group of women were walking slowly to the tomb early in the morning. They were laden with more than just spices; they were carrying thoughts and questions touched with sorrow. Who would roll the stone away? Why had it ended this way? What would happen next? Were the religious leaders coming for them also? Jesus was supposed to have been the one to save Israel, and now He was dead and gone. In the swirl of dark, hopeless thoughts, they could not envision what would happen next.

In the pre-dawn gloom as the ground rolled and shook, the stone was rolled away from the entrance of the tomb. This unexpected turn of events led the Roman soldiers guarding the tomb to collapse as dead men, paralyzed by fear, so it is little wonder the angel’s first words to the women were “Fear not!” As the angel extended an invitation to look into the tomb, they faced a choice to heed the angel or fear and flee.

These women on Easter morning experienced shock and joy. Throughout this amazing event, they were human just like us and had emotions and responses like many of us would have had. Their joy at seeing Jesus alive was mixed with the consternation of talking with angels and someone rising from the dead—not exactly everyday experiences! Even the disciples, after Jesus had been alive for some time, were still dealing with their human misgivings. Because some doubted, Jesus told them, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

Shortly after this, Christ related that all power had been given to Him (Matt. 28:18) and entrusted them with a tremendous responsibility: Go, tell about his resurrection and the transformation it can bring. As the apostles shared this simple message, it changed the course of history. Jesus is not dead; He is alive! Since He is alive, He gives his people strength for the work He has entrusted to them throughout the ages of time until God’s will is accomplished and the world comes to an end. As we do his work, the people of God find light for the path of life and courage to take the next step. This story changes hearts and lives even today.

Practical Truths for Today

Many things have the ability to make us fearful and perplexed: questions without answers, like the women had going to the tomb; losing a spouse, child, or special friend; or a medical diagnosis that turns life upside down. Our minds may be shackled with a spirit of fear, and, battling negative thoughts, one may wonder if the sun will ever shine again. Struggling and grappling with addictions, sinful thought patterns, and selfish actions leave people trapped in a cycle of guilt and hopelessness. To all of the pain, darkness, and torment that sin brings, Jesus is the answer.

As descendants of Adam, we all carry the seed of sin. Through a collusion with our flesh, the evil one wants to lead us down a path of selfish indulgence and unholy living. Responding to the call of God rescues us from that ruinous fate and sets us on the path to heaven. Between conversion and eternity, we live in this world with its temptations. Jesus bore his humanity as we do (Heb. 2:14-18); He knows what it is like to be tempted in the areas of pride, lust, covetousness, and more but was without sin (Heb. 4:15). His example in death and in resurrection can help us to overcome our struggles.

The power of the resurrection will not be ours, however, if we choose to live in an unconsecrated state or with sin in our life. Jesus calls everyone to come forth, as He did Lazarus, from our self-made graves of darkness. “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (Eph. 5:14).

The peace, freedom, and power of the resurrection from self-life to Christian life is realized by laying down our own definitions and preconceived ideas. Clinging to our own definition of what being a Christian is will lead to never feeling good enough to merit salvation. Being risen with Christ involves submission and humility. It cannot be found through intellectual faith, head knowledge, the right answers, or in finally getting it right on our own strength.

Experiencing change in our lives will mean commitment to walking with God and rising from the sleep of selfish and carnal living. The angel at the tomb asked the women, “Why seek ye the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5). We are often guilty of seeking to satisfy the longing of our souls among the dead and worthless things of this world. Peter tells believers that God has promised them that they also can be partakers of his divine nature and challenges them to escape the lustful corruption of the world, giving diligence to make their calling and election sure (2 Pet. 1:10).

The nearly dead church in Revelation 3 was given a stern warning to watch and strengthen what remained. Have we allowed the fire of salvation to burn out, busily tending our own business rather than the Lord’s? He needs workers in his vineyard and has promised reward far beyond our imagination. These blessings will be missed if we are focused on accomplishment and polishing our self-image.

The women on Easter morning were seeking Jesus, which put them in a place to experience the power in the resurrection. Do we still have the curiosity to come and see? A hymn that we often sing says “those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.” 1 Could it be that this hunger for the Word of Life is waning among us? Would we rather have a social function with a good meal and casual visiting on Sunday evening instead of dressing up and going to church to hear the gospel preached? Do we invite others to come to church and hear the message of good news? Do our lives create a drawing for our friends and neighbors?

We will not experience the power of the resurrection in our own lives if we are ashamed of Jesus’s testimony. This includes the things which set God’s people apart from the world. This is a true sign that we have been delivered from the darkness of the grave.

Questions

1. What are some practical ways we can share with our friends and neighbors about the power of the resurrection? Does this always involve inviting them to church?
2. Does singing gospel hymns at a care home leave a clear witness if we violate traffic laws and speak disrespectfully about authority figures while driving to someone’s place for snacks afterwards?
3. How can we foster a greater love for Christian fellowship and encouraging one another in the faith?
4. 1 A. Katherine Hankey (1834-1911), “I Love to Tell the Story,” Christian Hymnal

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).