THE MEANING OF JESUS RESURRECTION

SUNDAY SERMON

(BASED ON THE PRESBYTERIAN ALMANAC)

(16TH FEBRUARY 2025)

Theme: “THE MEANING OF JESUS RESURRECTION”

BIBLE READINGS:

1ST: PSALM 1: 1 – 6 

2ND: 1 COR. 15: 12 – 20 

3RD: LUKE 6: 17 – 26  

INTRODUCTION

Today is the 6th Sunday after Epiphany. We are in between the seasons of Christmas and Easter. The Almanac theme for today is “The meaning of Jesus’ resurrection”. 

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith and hope and hence we need to understand and build on it. 

LET US PRAY

#1. Jesus’ resurrection restores us to life 

Have you wondered about the meaning of this life we live? Is it all about what happens in this ‘life’ or there is a continuation of life after death?

Just as in the days of the Apostle Paul, people still preach and say that there is no resurrection; once a person dies, that is the end. But Apostle Paul used the fact of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection to explain that, life continues after death and there is resurrection for all people. 

He said, “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised” (1 Cor. 15: 12 – 13).

Life as created by God from the beginning was eternal and everlasting because we were created in His image and He does not die. But death was introduced by sin and Christ came to destroy the power of death (Ref. Heb. 2:14). Death is not the end of life; it is total banishment from the presence of God into the darkness of gloom and torture. 

Apostle Paul tells us “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead” (1 Cor. 15: 21). He continues that: “Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep”. And the songwriter says, “Because He lives I can face tomorrow; because He lives all fear is gone . . .” (Let us sing along)

So, the resurrection of Christ has opened the doorway for us to escape from death, which is permanent and everlasting separation from God to eternal life with God. Man is restored to his original state of the Imago Dei (the image of God).

#2. Jesus’ resurrection authenticates the Christian faith 

Everything has a source and a point of reference. What is the source and point of reference for the Christian faith? The life, work, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of the Lord Christ Jesus is the foundation of our faith, hope and trust in the Lord. 

Apostle Paul says, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain”. (1 Cor. 15: 14)

The Christian faith is anchored on the resurrection of Christ and by it, Christianity is set apart from all other religions. No religious leader or founder died and came back to life. Jesus did not only die and resurrect, but He ascended into heaven and lived forever. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus is therefore the (one and only) way, truth and life; without Him, man has no access to the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ is the only accredited saviour of humankind. 

If you believe in Jesus Christ, then know for sure that you will not perish but have everlasting life (Ref. John 3: 16)

Delight ourselves in the Lord walk in His ways and appropriate the power of the resurrections over your life.  

#3. Blessings from Christ Jesus

In the first reading, the Psalmist makes it clear that delighting in the law of the Lord brings blessings. He said, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (Ps. 1; 1 – 3).

In the gospel reading (Luke 6: 17 – 26), Luke gives his version of the beatitudes that Jesus taught. The word "beatitudes" originates from the Latin word "beatus," which means "blessed" or "happy,". The blessings of life come from Jesus and His resurrection.  

It is important to note that the way of Jesus is different from that of the world. What the world deems a blessing and success is not what Christ measures as blessings. 

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets” (Luke 6: 22 - 23)

If we follow the standards of the world we will miss out on the blessings of God. but if we walk in the new life after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will rejoice and leap for joy on account of the reward we will receive. When we put our trust in the Lord, He can turn our poverty, hunger and hatred of people into blessings. 

Conclusion

Because Jesus resurrected from the dead, we are not under the condemnation of eternal death. Though we die, we will also resurrect to everlasting life with the Father in heaven. Christ’s resurrections have given authenticity and credibility to the Christian faith as the only way to the Father. 

Our lives on earth is blessed and complete due to Christ and His resurrection.

Prayer Song: (Because He lives)

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus  . . .

Shalom

LET US PRAY!

© Rev. Immanuel Asiamah-Wiafe

Resident Minister – PCG, Living Bread Congregation, Tantra Hill. 

NB: For Counselling and Prayer Support WhatsApp on 0243284790.