"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

The Significance Of The Resurrection (28:1-10)

INTRODUCTION
  1. According to the four gospels, Jesus rose from the dead following His crucifixion...
    1. Matthew records how the women found the tomb empty and were instructed by an angel to tell the disciples - Mt 28:1-8
    2. Also how Jesus appeared to them while on their way - Mt 28:9-10
    -- In all, the New Testament records ten distinct resurrection appearances of Christ prior to His ascension to heaven
  2. The significance of the resurrection of Jesus to the Christian faith cannot be overestimated...
    1. It has great significance for one who has yet to believe in Jesus
    2. It also has great significance for those who are Christians

[In this study we shall consider "The Significance Of The Resurrection" for both unbelievers and believers...]

  1. FOR THE UNBELIEVER
    1. IT VERIFIES THE DEITY OF JESUS...
      1. The resurrection proves that Jesus truly is the Son of God - Ro 1:4
      2. It also demonstrates that He truly has all authority in heaven and on earth - Mt 28:18; Ac 2:36
    2. IT VERIFIES THE TRUTHFULNESS OF JESUS...
      1. Jesus foretold His resurrection on three occasions - Mt 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19
        1. If Jesus was telling the truth in describing His suffering and resurrection...
        2. ...then He was telling the truth in everything else He said
        -- Would God raise a liar?
      2. Therefore the following teachings of Jesus are true:
        1. He was from the Father above, and spoke the words of the Father - Jn 8:28-29
        2. No one can come to the Father but through Him - Jn 14:6
        3. His blood was shed for the remission of sins - Mt 26:28
        4. He came to offer abundant life - Jn 10:10
        5. He went to prepare a place for us - Jn 14:2
        6. He shall come again - Jn 14:3
        7. There will be a resurrection of the dead and ensuing judgment - Jn 5:28-29; 12:48; Ac 17:30-31

        [If Jesus was in fact raised from the dead, "The Significance Of The Resurrection" for the unbeliever is enormous! It compels unbelievers to come face to face with reality, and the need to accept the Lordship of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus has even more significance...]

  2. FOR THE BELIEVER
    1. IF JESUS HAS NOT BEEN RAISED...
      1. Gospel preaching is vain - 1Co 15:14
        1. The preaching of the apostles is empty, meaningless
        2. There would be no purpose in preaching about a liar, or lunatic
      2. Our faith is vain - 1Co 15:14
        1. Our belief in Christ would also be empty, meaningless
        2. For our faith would be in a liar, or lunatic
      3. The apostles were false witnesses - 1Co 15:15
        1. They swore that God raised Jesus from the dead - Ac 2:32
        2. They claimed to spend 40 days with Him after the resurrection, eating and drinking with Him - Ac 10:39-41
        3. There is no way they could have been deceived or mistaken; either they told the truth or they were deliberate liars, deceivers, and frauds!
      4. We are still in our sins - 1Co 15:17
        1. It would have been a liar or lunatic that died on the cross
        2. No such person could have provided a sacrifice that was holy and without blemish
      5. Believers have perished at death - 1Co 15:18
        1. Their faith would have been in a false Messiah
        2. They would have had no atonement for their sins
        3. Dying in their sins, there would be no hope
      6. Christians are to be pitied - 1Co 15:19
        1. Because we believe in a false Messiah
        2. Because our faith in Him leads us to refrain from much worldly pleasure
        3. Because we are often ridiculed or persecuted for our faith
    2. IF JESUS HAS BEEN RAISED...
      1. It verifies our justification - Ro 4:24-25
        1. Jesus claimed His blood would be adequate - Mt 26:28
        2. By raising Jesus from the dead, God demonstrated His acceptance of Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins! - Ro 8:33-34
      2. It demonstrates the power available to the Christian - Ep 1:18-20
        1. Power available at our conversion - Col 2:11-12; 1Pe 3:21
        2. Power available to live the Christian life - Ro 8:11-13; Php 2:12-13; 4:13; Ep 3:20; 6:10
      3. It gives us hope concerning our own resurrection - 1Pe 1:3
        1. His resurrection gives us a living hope! - 1Pe 1:21
        2. Especially concerning the resurrection of believers! - 1 Th 4:13-14
      4. It demands our complete loyalty to Him - Ro 14:9
        1. He was raised and then exalted to become our Lord - Ac 2:32-36; Ep 1:20-23
        2. Thus our lives and service belong to Him - Ro 14:7-8; 2 Co 5:15
CONCLUSION
  1. The impact of the resurrection of Jesus should not go unfelt in our lives...
    1. As a historical event it has everlasting implications
    2. For both the unbeliever and believer
  2. The unbeliever needs to examine the evidence for the resurrection carefully...
    1. The nature of the testimony provided by the witnesses
    2. The unfeasibility of alternative explanations for the empty tomb
    -- For if Jesus rose from the dead, one must believe in Him! - Jn 8:24
  3. The believer must never lose sight of the significance of the resurrection...
    1. Do our lives demonstrate that we serve a risen Lord and Savior?
    2. Do we possess the hope, peace, and strength that the reality and power of His resurrection gives to the Christian?

May we never forget "The Significance Of The Resurrection" of Jesus Christ in our lives!