Easter: This changes everything

Topics: Easter, Jesus Christ, resurrection

I. The Coronavirus changed everything - almost!

• Personal hygiene is better!
• Acts of kindness abound!
• Time to reflect and pray!
• Family time for many!
• Decluttering houses!
• Learning tech skills (online church)!
• Quiet time to be still with the Lord!

II. The resurrection has changed everything!

A. Mary: change from tears to triumph!

But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb . . . she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means, Teacher) (John 20:11, 14-16).

B. Cleopas: change from pointless to passion!

And they stood still, looking sad . . . We were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel . . . They said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?" And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem (Luke 24:17b, 21a, 32, 33a).

C. Thomas: change from doubt to devotion!

After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:26-28).

D. Joanna: change from confused to committed!

When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:17-20).

E. Peter: change from denial to dedication!

The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, "Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. . . And he said to Him, "Lord, You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep" (Luke 22:61, 62; John 21:17b).

Easter Sunday by Pastor Rod Akins, April 12^th, 2020