Mary discovers the empty tomb and in this section we see what the resurrection means for us. The empty tomb is evidence that the grave has been forever conquered. Because He lives we also have a hope that conquers despair. Mary is called out of her despair when she realizes Jesus is alive. And finally, like Mary, we are given a mission and a message to carry in this world.

The Psalmist exhorts all creation to break forth in joyful praise because of the wonderful works that God has done. This Psalm inspired the writing of the Hymn, Joy to the World.

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Jesus not only died and entered into the tomb, He did so as our covenant head. He went before us, into death itself, to conquer the grave itself on behalf of those who trust in Him. The testimony of this burial still echos with power today. The evidence shows He truly died, He is truly divine, and He truly transforms His disciples

God calls a man through whom he will work to bless the world.

John 19:16-30 shows us the fulfillment of all of Scripture and God’s purposes in the salvation of sinners. Sunday, we examine the crucifixion of Jesus. Up to this point, John has gone to great lengths to show us Jesus’ control of the situation. He has chosen to allow His arrest, His various trials, and now He freely gives His life on the cross as a substitute for sinners.

At every point in this text, we are made aware that even the tiniest details have been foretold and are fulfilling the purposes of the Father. Even on the darkest day in human history, there is absolutely nothing out of God’s control. Each detail is a fulfillment of the Scriptures, meticulously accomplishing God’s plan of salvation for us. As we examine the perfect Lamb sacrificed for our salvation, we are also repeatedly shown that God’s Word is faithful and true in all things. His Word was true on the day when all hope seemed lost, and His Word is still true today in all that we face. Believer, His Word will be true after all the stars burn out and we have spent ten billion years in His presence. His word will be true throughout eternity. Therefore, if God is for us - today - who can be against us?

God disperses the people who have united around their sinful quest to defy God's command to fill the earth.

Here we see the coronation of the King. It is not the kind of coronation that you expect. It isn’t a picture of majesty and honor. Instead, this king’s coronation is a brutal mockery. Those crowning this king mean to bring Him shame and humiliation. But in this wicked scene, we see the reason the eternal Son came. Jesus stands completely alone before Pilate and the crowd. He has been beaten and utterly humiliated. Now, in the face of one who looks like the most pitiable soul in the world, those who stand before Him will choose whom they will serve…as will we. Joshua said, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” (Josh. 24:15)

As Pilate presents Jesus saying, “Behold your king,” we who are purchased by His blood and shame must say, “Yes! There He is. There is the one who is altogether lovely. There He is, the one who took away my sin.” And as we see the Father’s (not Pilate’s) presentation of His Son, we find the one in whom all our hopes are placed…and we glimpse the suffering which was necessary for our salvation.

Jesus defines THE truth and describes His authority in the face of hostile powers vying for authority. Important worldview questions are at stake - and God provides His passover Lamb