Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• Easter is a glorious time
• A blessed time a Parc Newydd
• A blessed time on Good Friday
• Here to celebrate Easter Sunday
• Easter is not a happy time for all
• We all have to face death
• Death is a difficult time
• There can be a sense of confusion and numbness
• Death is not easy
• Personal example
• The disciples loved the Lord Jesus Christ more than family members
• They had known peace and forgiveness
• To their horror and confusion He was publicly executed by the Romans
• Two members of the Sanhedrin blessed Jesus in their sacrifice

The Grave

• 24:1-3 – speaks of what the women had come to do
• The guards had fled because of the angels
• They came to an empty tomb
• They must have thought that someone had stolen the body
• What purpose was there for the Jews or Romans to take the body?
• What purpose was there for the disciples to take the body?
• Why would the preach and die for a fabricated story?
• The women thought was than someone had taken the body
• 24:4-8 – The angels spoke to the women
• The suddenly remembered what Jesus had previously spoke to them
• They were full of hope and full of joy
• What do you believe about the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
• The whole of Christianity rests upon this doctrine
• If true, it changes everything!
• All of us will face the grave
• Is there no hope in death?
• The Christian's confidence is victory over death
• We do not need to fear death if we are trusting in Him
• 24:46-47
• Personal Challenge
• Are you willing to sift the evidence and run to Jesus?
• Example of Millie and Toby Saville
• The hope of the Easter Message
• Example of the American Pastor

The Disciples

• 24:9-11 – the women informed the disciples
• The disciples did not believe them (v11)
• Is the resurrection a stumbling block for you?
• Do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead?
• Two of the apostles ran to the grave
• They saw the neatly folded grave clothes
• Peter and John saw the evidence
• They ran - are you eager to seek the risen Christ?
• Christianity is not a blind faith
• It is based on historical facts
• Far more historical evidence that for contempary peers like Julius Caesar
• Historical evidence from secular commentators like Tassitus
• Witnesses of the women, the 11, over 500 people at once
• Indisputable facts
• There is more to the world than just chemistry, biology or physics
• The resurrection is central to Christianity
• Depression
• There is more depression now that ever
• We are a blameful culture
• We give our opinions publicly
• There are people who are socially isolated
• The two are low in spirit (24:17)
• It is good that the are contemplating ...
• ...but so often we dwell on the negative
• Jesus speaks of Himself (24:25)
• They need the word of God
• They need a solid anchor
• Their souls needs teaching and reviving
• Their hearts burned within them (24:32)
• The word of God revived their souls
• What do we need in times of sadness?
• The comfort of friends
• Above all the word of God and the presence of Christ

Jesus' Compassion

• 24:36 – Jesus knows they need help so appears to them again
• "Peace to you"
• No rebuke over those who deserted Him
• Jesus speaks tender words to them
• They think they have seen a spirit
• Jesus calms them
• He eats before them
• Jesus condescends to them
• He proves to them who He is
• Jesus often comes to us in our point of need to strengthen us
• Personal Challenge
• Jesus taught the two on the road to Emmaus
• Jesus taught the 11 (24:44-45)
• How we need Jesus' teaching
• Receive His teaching

Closing Challenge