Easter message
Sermon: The Hope and Promise of Easter
Introduction
Good morning, beloved! Today, we gather to celebrate the most significant event in the Christian faith: Easter. This is the day we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, we are given the promise of eternal life and a living hope. Our message today will center around the Gospel of Luke, focusing on the events of Easter and encouraging us to keep our faith in Christ.
1. The Empty Tomb (Luke 24:1-3)
“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.”
The women who went to Jesus’ tomb early in the morning expected to find His body. Instead, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. This unexpected discovery marked the beginning of a new era — the era of the risen Christ.
- Engagement Point: Imagine the surprise and confusion of the women at the tomb. How do we react when God moves in unexpected ways in our lives?
2. The Angels’ Message (Luke 24:4-7)
“And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”
The angels reminded the women of Jesus’ own words. He had foretold His death and resurrection. This moment serves as a powerful reminder that God’s promises are always fulfilled.
- Engagement Point: Reflect on the promises God has made in your life. How can the fulfillment of Jesus’ resurrection strengthen your faith in those promises?
3. The Encounter on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-16, 30-32)
“And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him… And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”
As the disciples walked to Emmaus, they were joined by Jesus, though they did not recognize Him. It was only when He broke bread with them that their eyes were opened. This encounter illustrates that Jesus is always with us, even when we do not recognize Him.
- Engagement Point: Think about times when you may not have recognized God’s presence in your life. How can you become more aware of His presence daily?
4. Jesus Appears to His Disciples (Luke 24:36-39)
“And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”
When Jesus appeared to His disciples, He offered them peace and showed them His wounds. This tangible proof of His resurrection reassured them that He was indeed alive. In our moments of doubt and fear, Jesus offers us His peace and presence.
- Engagement Point: When you face doubts or fears, remember Jesus’ words: “Peace be unto you.” How can His peace transform your situation today?
5. The Great Commission (Luke 24:46-49)
“And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
Jesus commissioned His disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name. This mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is our calling as well. Easter reminds us of the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with the world.
- Engagement Point: How can you be a witness to the resurrection of Christ in your daily life? Who can you share the hope of Easter with this week?
Conclusion
As we celebrate Easter, let us hold fast to the hope and promise of the resurrection. Jesus is alive, and because He lives, we have eternal life. Let this truth strengthen our faith, encourage our hearts, and inspire us to share His love with others. Remember, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us. Let us go forth with joy, proclaiming, “He is risen!”
Let us pray for renewed faith, courage to share the Gospel, and the peace that comes from knowing our Savior lives. Amen.
