EASTER: FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE

Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

The power of the resurrection was not only a significant miracle at that time, it continues to be an ongoing miracle for all time. What Mary witnessed when she arrived at the tomb on that first Easter Sunday has been repeated millions/billions of times since that day – “the recognition that Jesus is ALIVE! 

John 19:28-30 (CSB) After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now finished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I’m thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it up to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit. 

• “when Jesus knew” – Jesus recognized all of the events of His earthly journey had come to this point and He would soon complete the work He came to do
• “I’m thirsty” – yet another Old Testament prophecy fulfilled from Ps. 69:21
• “It is finished” – the work of substitutionary atonement would now complete and the inevitability of the coming resurrection would accomplish the mission 

John 20:24-29 But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples were telling him, “We’ve seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.” 28 Thomas responded to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” 

• “If I don’t see the mark”- Even through all Thomas had witnessed, he still didn’t fully believe what Jesus had said
• While Thomas as been criticized throughout the past 2000 years over his doubt, his doubt is really not much different than our own
• Jesus proved His Word is true and He was alive but He commended the faith of the many who would never have the opportunity to “see the mark of the nails”

John 20:30-31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

• “these are written” – everything in recorded history points to the truth of the Gospel
• “that you may believe” – this is not only a declaration but an invitation
• “you may have life” – the hope of the Gospel is not only the promise of Heaven, it’s the promise of His presence now