Surprised and Changed (Luke 24:1-12)

Big Idea: The events of Easter morning surprise us, and change us forever.

Introduction: How rarely we’re surprised.

1. If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, we wouldn’t be surprised or changed

a. They didn’t go saying, “Just in case he’s still dead”
b. It’s admirable that they went to the tomb
c. But it’s not world-changing

2. The events of Easter morning surprise us

a. It’s impossible to sometimes to believe what we’re being told – surprise, astonishment, fear, confusion, skepticism (We shouldn’t be surprised when people stumble over the resurrection)
b. Our theology can get in the way – Their theology didn’t allow for a resurrection on the third day.
c. The Gospel (good news) tells us things we didn’t expect, weren’t inclined to believe, and couldn’t understand
d. No doubt our own resurrection will be a surprise

3. The events of Easter morning change us forever

Easter means:

a. God keeps his word
b. His plan is not derailed
c. We have a message that can change the world (executioner vs. gardener)
d. When God speaks, we listen not in categories that we’re used to, but with hearts that recognize who’s speaking

While driving to church on Easter Sunday, a mother told her children the Easter story. “This is the day we celebrate Jesus coming back to life,” she explained. Right away, her 3-year-old son, Kevin, piped up from the back seat, “Will He be in church today?” He is. Easter continues to surprise us, and he is still here to change us forever.