Resurrection Life Today

Resurrection Life Today

Pastor Miles

but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:25-27 ESV)

John 19:25 "here is your mother"
Jesus put the needs of others above his own even during his agony on the cross.
1. To experience Resurrection Life today, you must put the needs of others above your own.

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. (Luke 23:32-34 ESV)

Luke 23:34 "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Jesus wanted those who hurt him to experience forgiveness and God's love.
2. To experience Resurrection Life today, you must forgive others.
Let go of the bitterness and grudges in your life, and you will experience the peace of God, and the ability to forgive others.

And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:33, 34 ESV)

Mark 15:34 "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Jesus feels abandoned and the despair of being separated from the Father.
3. To experience Resurrection Life today, you must turn to God for answers.
Jesus shows us that by questioning God in prayer that is an act of faith. When we choose to turn to God we die a little to self. We can turn to the Word for encouragement.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? (Psalm 22:1 ESV)

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44-46 ESV)

Luke 23:46 "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!"
When everything else is gone what is at the center is Christ's commitment to God.
4. To experience Resurrection Life today, you must commit yourself to God.
When everything else is stripped away, what is at the core of your life? Have you made a commitment to Christ?