3/31/2002 #434

SILENCING THE MOCKERS

Matthew 27:33-50, 28:5-6

INTRODUCTION: The mockers and Christ haters made their accusation against the Lord as He hung on the cross. If Jesus had not risen, their charges would have been true. They mocked His claim as King, Son of God and Savior. His resurrection silenced them forever.

I. RESURRECTION AFFIRMED HIS SOVEREIGNTY (v.37)

A. SOVEREIGN AS KING.

1. Announced as King at His birth. (Matt. 2:2)

2. Authority as King at His second coming. ( Rev. 19:11-16)

B. SOVEREIGN OVER HIS KINGDOM.

1. His kingdom is not of this world. (John 18:36)

2. His kingdom is everlasting and eternal. (2 Pet. 1:11)

3. New birth essential for entrance into His kingdom. (John 3:1-5

4. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 15:50)

5. The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom. (1 Cor. 6:9-10)

II. RESURRECTION AFFIRMED HIS SONSHIP (v. 39-43)

A. CONFIRMED BY HIS RESURRECTION.

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (Romans. 1:4)

B. CONFESSED BY WITNESSES.

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. (Acts 2:32)

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. (1 John 4:14)

III. RESURRECTION AFFIRMED HIM AS SAVIOR (v. 42)

A. PURPOSE OF HIS CROSS.

1. Jesus as God's sacrifice for sinners. (John 1:29b; Heb. 9:24-26; 10:12 )

2. Jesus as substitute for sinners. (Matt. 26:28; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:24)

3. Jesus' death satisfied the demands of a holy and righteous God for

judgment against sinners so now we can be forgiven.

B. PROOF OF HIS RESURRECTION.

1. His prophecy concerning His death and resurrection. (Mark 9:31;10:34)

2. His many appearances after His resurrection. (Acts 1:3; 1 Cor. 15:1-7)

3. His establishing of His church. (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47b; Col. 1:18)

4. His appearance to Paul and later conversion. (Acts 9:1-17)

C. POWER OF HIS SALVATION.

1. His authority to forgive sin. (Mark 2:1-12)

2. His ability to save. (Hebrews 7:25)

LESSONS FOR LIFE:

1. All the promises and predictions of Scripture hinge on the resurrection of Christ.

2. At the return of Christ He will establish His eternal kingdom.

3. Every person will have to confess Jesus as Lord. (Phil. 2:9-11)

4. All the haters and rejecters of Christ will someday be cast into the lake of fire.

5. Jesus is the only Savior. He can be yours today!