Jesus Christ: Powerful and Personal
Let's open our Bibles to Matthew 28:5-6, 16-20. v.18 All authority has been given to me… Over politics, armies, industry, science, research, entertainment, media, sports, weather, planets, time, life and death If this is true, following Jesus is the most urgent thing in our lives If Jesus had not died, there wouldbe no need for the resurrection If Jesus had not risen, there would be no significance to His death Jesus was Crucified The crucifixion of Jesus was public Tacitus (Roman historian) recognized the crucifixion as historical The crucifixion of Jesus was painful Description of crucifixion from the article on “Cross” in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia The crucifixion of Jesus was planned by God Jesus predicted it – Matt 17:22-23a The apostles acknowledged it – Acts 4:27-28 The New Testament teaches that Jesus was crucified by design The crucifixion of Jesus was punishment for sin, but not His own Christ gave Himself for our sins – Gal 1:4 Christ died for our sins – 1 Cor 15:3 He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities – Isa 53:5-6 The crucifixion of Jesus was precious We were ransomed with the precious blood of Christ – 1 Pet 1:18-19 To you who believe, therefore, He is precious – 1 Pet 2:7 Jesus was raised from the dead He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said – Matt 28:6 It was public, physical, and productive The resurrection of Jesus was powerful All authority has been given to me – v.18b Jesus is at the right hand of God - Acts 2:23, 7:56; Col 3:1; Heb 12:2 The resurrection restored Jesus to a place of authority He cannot fail. The resurrection of Jesus was personal Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age – Matt 28:20 His personal presence makes it possible for us to love as we should