Believing In The Risen Christ - Easter Sunday

GOOD FRIDAY 2025

Matthew 28:1-15

THREE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE
RESURRECTION OF JESUS

1. IS THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS POSSIBLE?

“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.” Matthew 28:2 (NIV)

1. IS THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS TRUE?

“While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money,  telling them, You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ ‘If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’  So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.’” Matthew 28:11-15 (NIV)

“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples: He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ Now I have told you. So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples.  Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ He said. They came to 

Him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me.’” Matthew  28:5-10 (NIV)

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

• Why did Christianity sweep across the known world so quickly after Jesus was crucified?

1. WHY DOES THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS MATTER?

“When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.” Matthew 28:17 (NIV)

• Because anyone can come to Jesus.

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me.’” Matthew 28:10 (NIV)

• Because you can have a personal relationship with Jesus. 

“Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ He said. They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him.” Matthew 28:9 (NIV)

• It means with Jesus there is always hope.

“And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS: 

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This Week’s Reading Plan and Blog/Podcast:

• YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan:
  “Jesus is Risen” Rob McFarlane (7 Days)

• Podcast: “Believing in the Risen Christ”