Ever have an experience that changes your life forever? For me, the thrill of speed on my “Big Wheel” as a little boy.
When we turn to the story of Jesus and His followers (events of Easter) we’re reading about a life-changing experience.
Marvelous – causing wonder, astonishing, miraculous,
supernatural, of the highest kind or quality, notably superior
What is it that excites us about fictional heroes? Hero – abilities,
attributes, actions …benefits
They found Jesus marvelous. Why were they so focused on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus?
Luke 23:32-56; 24:1-53 “He has risen from the dead!” Attributes; bringing forgiveness and life where there has been death “He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” – Romans 4:25
“Christ died for our sins, buried, and raised from the dead,” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
“If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us.” – 1 John 1:9
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life.” – John 6:47
“Repent of your sins and believe the Good News.” – Mark 1:15
“He gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.” – Ephesians 2:4-6
“To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:10-13
To Do:
Believe Jesus
Receive Jesus
Repent Jesus
Respond to Jesus
Share Jesus
The death and resurrection of Jesus were necessary to free us
from our sin, certain punishment, and separation from God. Through it we are
clean, free, and able to enjoy God in our life here and in an eternal Heaven.
“What makes God’s gift of grace so costly is
that Jesus paid for it with his life. What makes it so powerful is that he came
back from the dead – proving that he is the Son of God and showing that God
accepted his sacrifice as payment for our sin.” – Purple Book