he is not here

He Is Not Here, He Is Risen
Text: Matthew 28:6
Theme: The Power of the Cross and the Empty Tomb
Introduction
Beloved brothers and sisters, today we remember the greatest event in history—the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christianity is not based on ideas or opinions—it is based on the cross and the empty tomb.
Think of this illustration: Imagine a student failing an important exam. He knows he deserves a zero. Suddenly, someone steps in and says, “I will take your punishment. You pass.” That’s exactly what Jesus did for us on the cross—He took our punishment so we could have life.
1. The Purpose of the Cross
Jesus did not die by accident. He died by divine purpose to save us from sin.
Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Illustration: Imagine a prison full of guilty people. The warden wants to punish them all, but someone steps forward, takes the blame, and opens the gates for everyone else to go free. That’s the cross. Jesus took the blame for us, so we could go free.
Lesson: Salvation is not earned; it is a gift received by faith.
2. The Power of His Death
When Jesus cried out, “It is finished,” the power of sin was broken. The temple curtain tore, showing that humanity now had access to God.
Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Story: A man had a heavy backpack filled with rocks, representing guilt and sin. Every day, he carried the burden, exhausted and hopeless. One day, a friend says, “Take this bag off. I will carry it for you.” That’s the cross—Jesus took our heavy burdens so we can live in peace.
Lesson: No one is too sinful to be forgiven.
3. The Victory of the Resurrection
On the third day, the tomb was empty. Death could not hold Jesus.
Matthew 28:6: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
Illustration: Think of a caterpillar in a cocoon. It seems trapped and lifeless. But then it emerges as a butterfly—alive, free, and beautiful. Jesus’ resurrection is like that—He passed through death and came out victorious.
John 14:19: “Because I live, you also will live.”
Lesson: Our faith is alive because Jesus is alive.
4. What the Resurrection Means for Us
Because Jesus rose:
We have forgiveness of sins
We have victory over death
We have hope for eternal life
We have power to live a new life
2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
Story: A man was trapped in a dark cave for days. Suddenly, someone lit a fire and showed him the way out. That’s what Jesus does for us—He leads us from darkness into light.
Conclusion
The cross shows God’s love; the empty tomb shows His power. Jesus died, but He did not stay dead. He rose in victory. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow with hope.
1 Corinthians 15:57: “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Closing Appeal
Jesus is calling you today. If you believe in His death and resurrection and surrender your life to Him, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Final Illustration: A lighthouse guides ships safely through storms. Jesus’ resurrection is like that lighthouse—it shows us the way, gives hope, and leads us safely to God.
May the risen Christ reign in your heart. Amen.