EASTER: WE KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS – DYLAN JAHNIG
Scriptures:
Matthew 27: 50 – 53
John 20:10-18
Revelation 3
2 Corinthians 5:17
John 20:29
Points:
1. The Earthquake
2. The Empty Tomb
3. The Encounter
- The Earthquake
The earthquake recorded in Matthew 27:50-53 (the Gospel of Matthew depicts Jesus as King) – taking authority over this earth.
“The resurrection is not a stupendous magic trick but an invasion… The resurrection was indeed a miraculous display of God’s power, but we should not see it as a suspension of the natural order of the world. Rather it was the beginning of the restoration of the natural order of the world, the world as God intended it to be. . . . The resurrection means not merely that Christians have a hope for the future but that they have a hope that comes from the future. The Bible’s startling message is that when Jesus rose, he brought the future kingdom of God into the present.” – Tim Keller
HE BROUGHT THE FUTURE FORWARD.
– the rock splits open / the curtain is torn
– The graves open / people come alive
Spiritual resurrection is living in heaven whilst still on earth.
The veil was torn in two – and what you could not reach, you’re now able to.
- 2. The Empty Tomb
“Why do you look for the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5)
Revelation 3 (the church of Philadelphia) – “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut…”
The invitation of the Gospel is to move on from the empty searches that lead to disappointment and despair, and to TURN TOWARD JESUS – high and lifted up, ruling and reigning over all.
HE’S ALREADY REDEEMED THAT ‘THING’ THAT YOU KEEP RETURNING TO.
2 Corinthians 5: 17 – “Therefore – anyone who is IN CHRIST is a new creation. The old has gone – the new has come”
Living the resurrection is shifting from graves to glory. Graves represent death and darkness, sin and destruction – the spaces and places we keep returning to, only to be broken again. Glory is that which is above all – to be seated at the table of heaven
THE DOOR IS OPEN – NO ONE CAN SHUT IT.
- 3. The Encounter
Between this empty grave + what is now an eternal GLORY … is a VERY PERSONAL ENCOUNTER.
What were you looking for when He came looking for you?
– Comfort for the pain?
– Answers for the questions?
-Purpose in today?
– Hope for tomorrow?
JOHN 20: 10 – 18
“The greatest gift of the Gospel, is the gift of God himself. – John piper
JOHN 20: 29
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN, AND HAVE BELIEVED.
Discussion Questions
1. Reflecting on the concept of the earthquake as depicted in Matthew 27:50-53, how does it symbolize Jesus’ authority over the earth? How does it signify the restoration of the natural order of the world as God intended it to be (Tim Keller)?
2. In discussing the empty tomb, what significance do you find in the invitation to move away from empty searches that lead to disappointment and despair, and to turn toward Jesus, as highlighted in Revelation 3? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual resurrection and being “in Christ” as a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)?
3. Considering the encounter between Mary Magdalene and Jesus in John 20:10-18, what emotions and desires do you think Mary might have experienced in that moment? How does this encounter exemplify the personal nature of Jesus’ relationship with his followers?
4. Discuss the idea presented in John 20:29 about being blessed for believing without seeing. How does this apply to your own journey of faith? How do you maintain belief and hope in the absence of physical proof or tangible experiences?
5. How does the message of Easter, and knowing how the story ends, challenge us to shift our focus from the darkness of graves to the glory of God? What practical steps can we take to live in this resurrection reality in our daily lives?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You in gratitude for the profound truths of Easter. Thank You for the earthquake, symbolizing Jesus’ authority, and the empty tomb, signifying hope and redemption. Help us turn to Jesus, embrace new life, and encounter You personally. Strengthen our faith to believe without seeing, and guide us to live out the resurrection reality daily. May we be carriers of Your light in the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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THE LINC COLLECTIVE 
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