Jesus Takes Barabbas' Place (Matthew 27:15-26)

The Lies of the Resurrection (Matthew 28:11-15)

The Resurrection of Jesus demands a response. In Matthew 28:11–15, we'll examine the first lie ever told about the empty tomb and discover that unbelief is not ultimately caused by a lack of evidence, but by a lack of faith. While the historical evidence for Christ's resurrection is compelling, Scripture teaches that saving faith comes through hearing the Word of God. Join us as we see why proclaiming the risen Christ is still God's primary means of bringing people to faith, and why the truth that Jesus is alive changes everything.

The Truth of the Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10)

Matthew 28:1–10 clearly lays out the truth that Jesus Christ rose from the dead 3 days after his crucifixion. This message focuses on three responses to the resurrection: Come and See the truth of Christ through His Word, Bow and Worship the risen Savior, and Go and Tell the good news with gospel urgency. Because Jesus conquered death, we have hope, forgiveness, and a message the world needs to hear.

The Burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:57-66)

The burial of Jesus is a vital part of the gospel story, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises, confirming the reality of Christ's death, and preparing the way for His resurrection. Through the faithful example of Joseph of Arimathea and the two Marys, contrasted with the hardened hearts of the chief priests and Pharisees, we are challenged to trust Christ, stand firm in faith, and remember that for those who believe, the tomb is not the end—Sunday is coming.

Lost and Found (Luke 15)

Luke 15 contains three stories of lost things - a sheep, a coin, and two sons. Jesus told the stories to two very different audiences. We will explore how Jesus used the stories to reveal the way God extends His mercy and grace to all who would receive these gifts. The third story has no conclusion. It was as if Jesus was offering an invitation, hoping for a response from both audiences ... and from us!

The Death of Christ (Matthew 27:45-56)

The death of Jesus is among the most discussed event in all of Christianity. So much so that it can normalize this event leading to a possible desensitization. In these verses, Matthew attempted to demonstrate that Jesus of Nazareth is the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the rightful King of Israel. Written in the 50s-60s AD, the Gospel aimed to solidify the faith of early believers and provide a cohesive account of Jesus’s teachings and life. The book emphasized how Jesus fulfilled over 60 prophetic passages from the OT confirming that He was the “Son of God,” “Son of David,” and the “Son of Abraham” – the Messiah.