READ | SERMON NOTES
SUMMARY l Traditionally on Easter Sunday, Christians greet one another with, “He is risen!” and “Indeed, He is risen!”
The New Testament has 27 books and consists mainly of Paul’s letters to the seven churches. Paul sought to instruct believers in the ways of God. He aimed to build up their faith, encourage them to live a life worthy of their calling and give guidance on certain issues. One of these was the resurrection of Jesus. Some doubted the resurrection, and Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:3–5 that what was of first importance was that Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose on the third day according to the Scriptures. He also wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:14, 17 that if Christ had not been raised, our faith would be futile. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son to those who believe in Him. Hence, the resurrection of Jesus brings certainty that we shall not perish but have eternal life.
It is also stated in the Apostles’ Creed that we believe in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. These are possible only because of the resurrection of Jesus. Therefore, when the women brought the news to the disciples that Christ had risen, they did not believe them. Peter also did not believe, so he ran to the tomb, saw only the linen cloths and wondered what had happened. Jesus later appeared to Peter and his faith was restored, which led him to play an important role in leading the early church.
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. It is proof of God’s power over sin and death. Through it we find the promise of victory over darkness and despair. God wants to touch each one of us, but only if we allow the risen Christ into our lives. Mary Magdalene’s life had been full of darkness. She was unable to work or look after herself until Jesus delivered her and drove seven demons out of her. She was present when Jesus was crucified, while all the disciples had fled. When she first realised that Jesus was missing from the tomb, she was very frightened, but her fear later turned to faith. Verse 8 says, “they remembered his words”, and this gave the women courage because they knew that the Lord must suffer and die, but would rise three days later.
Today we live in uncertain times and our world has changed. We thank God that Singapore enjoys peace and order. We need to remember the Word of God, hold on to it and draw strength from it. Paul reminded all in Philippians 2:16 to hold fast to the Word of Life and to remember all the promises of God. The liturgy of Holy Communion also reminds us to “do this in remembrance of me”.
The two disciples who left Jerusalem in Luke 24:13–15, on their way to Emmaus, encountered Jesus, who drew near to them and explained the Scriptures to them in Luke 24:27. Their faith was restored after they had walked away from Jerusalem, the spiritual centre of their lives. May God help us to experience the risen Christ once again and to live as Easter people, remembering the Word of God and drawing strength from it.
He lives
I serve a risen Saviour,
And He is in the world today.
I know that He is living, whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy and I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He is always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today.
– Written and composed by Alfred Henry Ackley
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What does Jesus’ resurrection mean to you personally? Why is this so significant?
- Was it fair for Jesus to pay for your sins?
- In what ways does the resurrection give you hope and change the way you live?
