Sermon Recap - The Resurrection

Gospel of John - The Resurrection

BELIEVE: A Journey Through John
Over the past several weeks, we’ve walked through John’s Gospel, exploring who Jesus is and why John wrote his account. Each message has been building toward the moment we now arrive at: the Resurrection. Before we dive in, here’s a quick refresher:

- Week 1 – Believe: John’s purpose is clear:  he wrote so we would believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.
- Week 2 – Pentecost: As we fully surrender to the Holy Spirit, He will guide us into all Truth. He desires to rest on us in power and authority.
- Week 3 – Nicodemus: Knowledge and power cannot save. Jesus calls us to be born again.
- Week 4 – Bethesda: Jesus heals more than our physical bodies; He makes us whole.
- Week 5 – Feeding the 5,000: God takes our limitations and impossibilities and creates abundance.
- Week 6 – Adulterous Woman: Jesus does not play the accuser’s game of shame and condemnation. He forgives and frees the sinner.
- Week 7 – Bethany: We worship God through serving others, resting in His presence, and expressing our adoration.
- Week 8 – The Vine: Abiding in Christ leads to joy overflowing.
- Week 9 – Jesus’ Prayer: Unity is the blessing and goal of God’s people.
- Week 10 – The Cross: Jesus became sin, so we could walk free in His righteousness.

Week 11 – The Resurrection: The Event That Changed Everything

Early on a Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene discovered an empty tomb (John 20:1–10). Peter and John raced to see it for themselves, and John records simply: “He saw and believed.”
 

The Resurrection isn’t just a claim of faith. It’s one of the most historically supported events of the ancient world. Nine different ancient sources outside of the Gospels confirm it, from Jewish historian Josephus to Roman historians like Tacitus. Scholars call it an “avalanche of historical data.” But even more compelling than history is Jesus’ own declaration: “I am the Resurrection and the Life.”
 

Unlike Lazarus, who came out of the tomb still wrapped in grave clothes, Jesus’ burial clothes were left behind. He would never need them again. His resurrection is the radical, unrivaled event in history.
 

What the Resurrection Makes Possible
 

- Power to Change – Because Jesus lives, we can live new lives (Romans 6:4). The resurrection brings joy instead of despair, peace instead of chaos, and purpose instead of emptiness.

- Power to Overcome – Death feels final, but the Resurrection proves what looks dead can live again. We are no longer slaves to sin or fear. In Christ, we are “more than conquerors.”

- Power to Live on Purpose – God created everything with intention—including you. The Resurrection fuels our calling to live as His masterpiece, walking in the good works He designed for us.

- Power to Live Forever – The oldest human question is answered: “Can the dead live again?” (Job 14:14). Because of Jesus, the answer is yes. Eternal life begins now as we know Him, and it continues into forever.

Post-Resurrection Lessons
 

Even after rising from the grave, Jesus didn’t immediately ascend. He lingered, settling things in His disciples’ hearts, and in ours:

- “I Am Sending You Out” – As the Father sent Him, He now sends us—empowered by His Spirit to live on mission.

- “You Still Need Me” – The disciples caught nothing on their own until Jesus stepped in. Our strength is not enough;we need Him daily.

- “I Will Restore You” – Just as Jesus restored Peter after his denial, He restores us, turning failure into purpose.

- “Follow Me” – Two simple words that sum up the Christian life. Keep your eyes on Him, step by step.

The Final Word

John ends his Gospel with this:

“These are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.” (John 20:31)

That’s the heartbeat of John’s message—and our prayer as we close this series. May we believe more deeply, walk more fully, and experience more life because He is risen.

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