BUV 2022 4-Part Easter Series: Love Beyond Measure
Part 4: Love Has Overcome

There is a great deal of uncertainty around in our world at the moment. Just when we seemed to have gotten through something challenging something bigger seems to come along. It can be really hard for us when we face uncertainty. Many psychologists note that unpredictability and uncertainty leads to higher levels of stress and anxiety and this is not good for us. Is there a way to make it through these uncertain times? Can I really face these times with real hope? Can God help me through these times of fear?

Joseph of Arimathea took the lifeless body of Jesus, placed it in his own tomb and rolled a big stone in front of the entrance while Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat opposite the tomb (see Matt 27:57-61).  We can only imagine what was going through their minds as they sat watching through tears of sadness. Was it the images of the violence they had witnessed earlier in the day, the grief of losing someone they loved and trusted so dearly, or the overwhelming sorrow of knowing that the one who came to bring life was dead? As night fell they must have felt the depths of the darkness in their hearts.

On the first day of the week, as the sun came up, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were back at the tomb (see Matt 28:1-10). Suddenly their sorrow turned to fear. There was an earthquake, the stone was rolled back by an angel who was sitting on the stone in dazzling white. The guards were so afraid they looked like they were dead and the women were very frightened. If ever there was uncertainty – this was it!

The angel addressed the women directly, “Don’t be afraid.” These words are the most common command in the Bible. It is said 365 times throughout the Bible – that is one for every day of the year! Why were they not to be afraid anymore? “Jesus is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” The angel invited them to “Come and see the place where he lay.” As they saw the empty tomb and ran to tell the disciples they were still afraid but they were also filled with joy. Then it happened. They met Jesus, suddenly. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him.

Their joy deepened as they realised that Jesus had risen from the dead. He was dead but he has risen! God was starting a new age. One in which Jesus reigns as King. In Christ we are new creations! Our relationship with God is restored, our sin is forgiven and we have life eternal so that even death will not be able to separate us from his love. In the midst of uncertainty we can know that Jesus is Lord and God is with us as we face each day with the Spirit’s empowering presence.

Today we are joyful, like the women, because the resurrection declares love beyond measure! 

God’s love is beyond measure. God the Father had loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, that whoever believed in him would not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jesus is risen! I am risen! Hallelujah!

God’s love is beyond measure. Jesus had endured the cross, he died for us. Jesus, the Living One, died and now is risen and alive for evermore and is making all things new!

Jesus is risen! I am risen! Hallelujah!

God’s love is beyond measure. The Holy Spirit, yes the very same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, is living in me today, giving life to my mortal body, a deposit guaranteeing my inheritance.

Jesus is risen! I am risen! Hallelujah!

God’s love, is perfect. It is a love that can’t be measured. It is a love that drives out fear and helps me when I face uncertainty. God loves me, and I am called to walk with him through uncertainty and be part of sharing the message of God’s love and new life in Christ with the world.

For discussion

If someone said ask you why Easter Sunday is such an important day for followers of Jesus how would you respond? What does the empty tomb mean for you personally?

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by uncertainty or fear? What we the circumstances that led to this? Did you ever experience God’s love through those times? How might the resurrection of Jesus help us through these times? 

Content

For context read Matthew 27:57-28:10. Notice the repeated phrase in verse 5 & 10 of chapter 28.

Look up any two of the following verses and explain why you think the person being address has no need to fear – Luke 1:30, Luke 2:10, Luke 12:32, John 14:27, Revelation 1:17

Discuss the reasons the angel gave for them to not be afraid. What evidence did the angel offer? What instructions were given? See Matthew 28:5-7. How do you think this would have led them to joy?

Application

Can you share a story or experience of God reminding you of his love through times of fear or uncertainty?

Knowing that you are loved by God, forgiven through what Jesus has done on the cross and, filled with the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, how will you help others to live differently in these uncertain times? Is there something that you can do this week to show God’s love to others?