Series: Like Jesus

Message 7: Be Joyful (Easter)

Matthew 28:1-10 (ESV)

28 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

1) Like Jesus, We Must Endure

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)

…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

2) Jesus is the Example

Hebrews 12:2a (ESV)

2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,

3) Like Jesus: We Must Find our Joy outside of our Circumstances

Hebrews 12:2b (ESV)

who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

James 1:2-4 (ESV)

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Questions:

1) What brings you joy? What is prohibiting you from experiencing joy?

2) How might the example of Christ change the way that you experience joy?

3) In what ways have you experienced joy in the midst of suffering and trials? Share.

4) Recall and share a time when you had to “set your face” towards something. Did this focus somehow impact your ability to be joyful as a result of God’s perfect, plan, purpose, and work in your life?

5) How might the celebration of Easter empower you to be joyful each day? How does this joy honor God?

Live In

Sermon Notes