April 8, 2012
Morning Service

This past week is one of the most solemn in Christendom.  Many use this week to place themselves into the life of Jesus as He ascends to Calvary.  We have heard the story many times, yet, it is like our communion service, new, and refreshing each time we hear it.  It causes many to forget about worldly situations, and themselves, and concentrate on Jesus’ life for that final week.

          In the account of Jesus’ last week, we see that:

·        He continues to teach, and to upset the spiritual leaders of Israel.

·        He tells His disciples again that He must be turned over to the gentiles to be killed, but that He would arise the third day.

·        He goes through the mockery of a trial, and is found guilty.  I’ve always said, the only thing He was guilty of was LOVE. 

·        Then Calvary.  The terrible suffering of this death.  His asking forgiveness for those that are killing Him.  The agony of God forsaking Him.  Then, “IT IS FINISHED.”

·        The sense of defeat for the disciples.  They still don’t understand what is happening. 

 

They all return home discouraged, and confused, not knowing what tomorrow will bring.

So they rest, and pray during the Sabbath, meditating on what has happened.  But as the first day of the week comes around, we find the women getting spices ready to go to the tomb, and anoint Jesus’ body for burial.

 

The account of the resurrection is given in all four of the gospels.  We will use St.Jn.20:1-10.

Joh 20:1-18 KJVR  The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher.  (2)  Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid him.  (3)  Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulcher.  (4)  So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter and came first to the sepulcher.  (5)  And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.  (6)  Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, and seeth the linen clothes lie,  (7)  And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.  (8)  Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulcher, and he saw, and believed.  (9)  For as yet they knew not the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

A LESSON ON TARRYING:

(10)Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. (11)  But Mary stood without at the sepulcher weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulcher,  (12)  And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.  (13)  And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.  (14)  And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.  (15)  Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.  (16)  Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.  (17)  Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 

• They knew not the Scripture that He would rise again.  But we do.  We also know where He went, and where He is now.  God has wonderfully given to us this understanding. 

 

Dick, and Rita express it very well in this song.

Song:  Dick and Rita;  GONE.

 

THEN.

(18)  Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

• Do we see how good things happen when we wait upon the Lord.

 

John in the book of Revelation:

Rev 1:17-18 KJVR  And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:  (18)  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

·        Because He lives forever more, and has the keys, I don’t need to worry, or be afraid of what tomorrow may bring.  I can face tomorrow.

·        Because He lives all fear is gone.

·        Because I know He holds the future.

·        And because He lives, life is worth the living.

 

Jon Carl says it better than I can.

Song:  Because He lives.  Jon Carl

 

Luke said this at Jesus’ departure.

 

Luk 24:50-53 KJVR  And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.  (51)  And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.  (52)  And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:  (53)  And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

·        No longer in doubt, and confusion.  Now, we have hope, joy, still not sure about tomorrow, but HE IS ALIVE, AND IS ALIVE FOREVER MORE.

 

Loraynne tells us just how alive.

Song: He’s alive.  Lorrayne.

 

 

I want to encourage you this morning that if you have never accepted Jesus as your Savior, I trust you will make this commitment before it is eternally too late.  Jesus is coming soon for a people that has prepared themselves for His coming, and it won’t be long.

 

God bless you, and have a blessed Easter.