Main Memory Texts: Matthew 28:1-8; 1 Corinthians 15:12-22; John 11:25-26

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I. Introduction: The Empty Tomb Changes Everything

A. The Resurrection Weekend

1.   Good Friday: Jesus, the Passover Lamb, died for our sins (1 Cor. 5:7).

2.   Sabbath Rest: Jesus’ body rested in the tomb, fulfilling the sign of Jonah (Matt. 12:40).

3.  Resurrection Sunday: The stone rolled away—death defeated!

 

B. Prayer for Spiritual Insight

• "Open our eyes to see the power of the resurrection" (Eph. 1:18-20).

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II. The Resurrection Account: Matthew 28:1-8

A. The First Witnesses: Two Women

1. Cultural Significance: Women’s testimony was marginalized, yet God chose them (v. 1).

2. Divine Reversal: God elevates the humble (1 Cor. 1:27-29).

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B. The Angel’s Announcement

1. Earthquake & Angelic Glory: The supernatural confirms the supernatural (vv. 2-3).

2. The Guards’ Fear: The world trembles before God’s power (v. 4; Phil. 2:10-11).

3. The Proclamation: "He is not here; He is risen!" (v. 6).

 

C. The Women’s Response

1. Fear & Joy: Awe at God’s power + joy at His victory (v. 8).

2. Urgency to Share: They ran to tell the disciples—our model for evangelism.

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III. Why the Resurrection Matters (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

A. Christianity Stands or Falls on the Resurrection

1. No resurrection = preaching is empty, faith is futile (v. 14).

2. No resurrection = we’re still in our sins (v. 17).

3. No resurrection = no hope beyond the grave (v. 18).

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B. But Christ Is Risen! (1 Cor. 15:20)

• "Firstfruits" of our future resurrection.

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IV. Ten Reasons to Believe the Resurrection Happened

1. Non-Christian Historians (e.g., Josephus) confirm Jesus’ death and empty tomb.

2. Minor Gospel Differences (e.g., number of angels) prove authentic eyewitness accounts.

3. Women as First Witnesses—unlikely fabrication in a patriarchal culture.

4. Bodily Resurrection Was Unpopular—disciples wouldn’t invent a hard-to-sell doctrine.

5. Roman Penalty for Tomb Robbing—disciples weren’t arrested for stealing the body.

6. Three Groups Involved (disciples, Jewish leaders, Romans)—only disciples benefited.

7. Disciples’ Transformation—from cowards to martyrs (Acts 4:13, 20).

8. James’ Conversion—Jesus’ skeptical brother became a church leader (Acts 15:13).

9. Paul’s Conversion—persecutor turned apostle (Acts 9:1-6).

10. Prophecy Fulfilled—Psalm 16:10 predicted no decay + resurrection on the third day.

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V. The Resurrection and Our Future Hope

A. Jesus’ Promise: "I Am the Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:25-26)

• Martha’s confession: "I know he will rise at the last day" (v. 24).

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B. The Second Coming & Our Resurrection (1 Cor. 15:51-53)

1. The Mystery: Not all will die, but all will be changed (v. 51).

2. The Moment: "Twinkling of an eye" at the last trumpet (v. 52).

3. The Victory: Incorruptible bodies—just like Christ’s (Phil. 3:21).

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VI. Application: Living in Resurrection Power

A. Share the News

• Like the women, we must run to tell others (Matt. 28:8).

• Challenge: Participate in outreach (distribute literature, invite to church).

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B. Celebrate the Victory

• Communion & Agape Meal: Remember His death, celebrate His resurrection, anticipate His return (Acts 2:42-47).

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C. Live Without Fear

• "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow!" (Hymn).

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VII. Closing: The Empty Tomb = Our Eternal Hope

A. Benediction (Rev. 22:12): "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me!"

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B. Final Prayer: Thank God for the empty tomb and our living hope (1 Pet. 1:3).

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Key Quote: "The resurrection is not a metaphor—it is the metronome of history, setting the rhythm for eternity."

 

Hymn: "Because He Lives" (Amen).

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Optional Small Group Discussion:

1. Which of the 10 reasons for the resurrection resonates most with you? Why?

2. How does the resurrection change the way you face daily struggles?

3. Who can you share this hope with this week?