Easter Service
Teaching Notes
In Luke 24:1–12, we’re drawn into the heart of the resurrection—the moment that changes everything for those who follow Jesus. Easter isn’t just a celebration of something that happened long ago; it’s a declaration of what’s still true today: Jesus is alive. The resurrection isn’t simply the end of the gospel—it’s the very foundation of it. Without it, our faith is empty. But with it, we have living hope, eternal life, and the promise that death is not the end.
The women who arrived at the tomb early that morning came with grief, but they left with purpose. They find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty—not because someone has taken the body, but because Jesus has risen. The angel asks them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” That question still echoes today. We don’t follow a distant memory—we follow a living Savior.
The resurrection isn’t wishful thinking or religious tradition—it’s grounded in real, historical evidence. The tomb is empty, guarded by Roman soldiers who couldn’t prevent it. The first witnesses are women—unlikely voices in that culture, yet entrusted with the most important message in history. The disciples, once fearful and scattered, become bold, courageous witnesses—willing to suffer and die because they’ve seen the risen Christ. Even Saul, a violent persecutor of Christians, is radically transformed into Paul, a passionate preacher of the gospel. These stories don’t speak of myth—they testify to power.
But the resurrection doesn’t just change history—it changes hearts. The same Spirit who raises Jesus from the dead now lives in us. The gospel still sets people free, restores what’s broken, and draws us into a relationship with the God who loves us. We aren’t saved by our efforts or religious performance—we’re saved by grace, through faith in the finished work of Christ.
This moment calls for a response. The resurrection isn’t just something to admire—it’s an invitation to believe. If you’ve never encountered the risen Christ, you don’t need to clean yourself up or have all the answers. God simply asks us to turn from our own way, place our trust in Jesus, and receive the life He freely offers. Repentance isn’t about shame—it’s about surrender. It's turning from death to life, from striving to resting in the love of a Savior who gave everything for us.
Easter reminds us that Jesus is not in the grave—He is risen, and He reigns. And that truth changes everything. It gives us courage when we’re afraid, hope when we feel lost, and strength when life feels too heavy. The resurrection is not just for then—it’s for now.
May we be a people marked by resurrection hope. May we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, live with bold faith, and share this good news with a world desperate for life. Jesus is alive—and that changes everything.
