Matthew 28:1-7 (the first Easter)

28 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

Seven things I would like to share with you this Easter.

Why the resurrection is significant!

Prophecy (fulfilled)

We see a glimpse of what awaits Jesus.
Genesis 3:15
Spirit speaks of the resurrection through Job.
Job 19:26-27
Spirit speaks of the resurrection of Christ through David.
Psalm 16:8-11
Spirit speaks of the resurrection through Isaiah.
Isaiah 53:10-11

Power (of God) and Proof (of Jesus divinity)

We see the power of God and a type of resurrection when Abraham is tested.
Genesis 18:13-14, Genesis 22:5, Hebrews 11:17-19 (Prophecy AND Power)
Jesus demonstrates His power.
Matthew 11:4-6
Jesus declares the extent of His power!
John 10:17-18, John 10:30 (equates Himself to God!)
Jesus is God because He rose again!
1 Corinthians 1:18, Colossians 2:12

Payment (for sin) and Peace (with God)

To fully appreciate what Jesus has done, we must understand what it was without Him – Day of Atonement.
Leviticus 16:29-32
Jesus becomes the scapegoat and the atoning sacrifice!
Ezekiel 18:4, Romans 3:23, 1 John 4:10
Animal sacrifices are temporary, Christ’s sacrifice is permanent!
Hebrews 10:1-18
Peace with God because of Jesus!
Not good to be God’s enemy! – Hebrews 10:31
Romans 5:1-2, Ephesians 2:16, Colossians 1:19-20

What it means for us!

Purpose (in life) and Promises (of God)

Truth: God has a plan for each one of us!
Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Timothy 1:9 – God has a plan for us.
Truth: Irrespective of our past, we have a new beginning in Christ!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Promise: God will meet all our needs!
Matthew 6:33, Philippians 4:19
Promise: God will work in and through us to do what pleases Him!
Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 2:13
Promise: Everything will work out!
Romans 8:28
Promise: He will grant us His wisdom!
James 1:5
Promise: He will comfort us in our time of suffering!
2 Corinthians 1:3–4
Promise: God will grant us rest!
Matthew 11:28–30
Promise: God will guard us with His peace!
John 14:27, Philippians 4:6–7
Promise: God will finish what He started in us!
Philippians 1:6
Promise: God will always be there for us!
Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, Psalm 118:6, Matthew 28:20, Romans 8:31
Promise: We will be with Him forever!
1 Corinthians 15:51-57
Truth: Every single promise is a Yes because of Jesus!
2 Corinthians 1:20

Persevere (in our faith)

We want to obey but we fall short!
Romans 7:15-25
We have a Saviour who knows what it means to be human!
Hebrews 4:15-16
We can look to Jesus as our example!
Hebrews 12:1-3
When we fall short, we still have Jesus!
1 John 1:8-9

Prayer and Praise

God hears our prayers.
2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 34:15
We pray because of who He is, not because of who we are.
Daniel 9:18, John 14:13-14, 1 John 5:14
Sin hinders our prayers.
Psalm 66:18, James 4:3
Praise and thankfulness goes hand in hand with prayers!
2 Samuel 22:50, Psalm 117:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Precious and Priceless

God has inscribed us in His palms.
Isaiah 49:16
God has everlasting love for us.
Jeremiah 31:3
God rejoices over us.
Zephaniah 3:17
Jesus came because of God’s love.
John 3:16, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9-10
He has blessed us with His Spirit.
John 14:26, Galatians 2:20
We are God’s children/You are a child of God.
Galatians 3:26, 1 John 3:1

If Christ didn’t rise from the dead

1 Corinthians 15:13-22

13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.