I must admited that out of all the "themed" sermons throughout the year - Easter is definitely my favorite...especially as I have gotten older. I am amazed every year by how much I am moved by the service. I don't know why that shocks me...it is so powerful - just thinking about Jesus' resurrection.Easter is the annual celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ...just in case you didn't know. It is called a "moveable feast" because it does not fall on one set day every year. It falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox...not confusing at all, is it?
The story of Easter:
Matthew 28:1-15
1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave.
2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.
3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
4 The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.
6 "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.
7 "Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."
8 And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.
9 And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and take word to (J)My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me."
11 Now while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.
12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,
13 and said, "You are to say, 'His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.'
14 "And if this should come to the governor's ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble."
15 And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day.
2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.
3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
4 The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.
6 "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.
7 "Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."
8 And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.
9 And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and take word to (J)My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me."
11 Now while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.
12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,
13 and said, "You are to say, 'His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.'
14 "And if this should come to the governor's ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble."
15 And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day.
He Lives!!!
Hallelujah!!!!
