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… and behold, Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshipped Him. Matthew 28:1, 9 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:19 Those who believe in the resurrection need to be constantly on the alert against attack. They also need, of course, to be sure that they are themselves allowing the resurrection to blow constantly like a fresh breeze through their own lives, thoughts, and imaginations. There’s no point defending and explaining God’s new world if you’re still living in the old one yourself. Tom Wright Sermon Outline: The Resurrection of Christ is the Objective Truth that a Living Faith is Built on The Resurrection of Christ is the Subjective Reality that a Believer Abides in Discussion Questions: What did you stop believing, before you could start believing in Jesus Christ? Why did the chief priests and elders try to cover up the resurrection by paying off the soldiers? What reasons do people have today for not believing in the death and resurrection of Christ? How does Mary Magdalene stand out in the resurrection passages of all four gospels? Why is it important to possess both the objective and subjective realities of a living Lord? Application: According to 2 Corinthians 3:18 as we behold the Risen Lord Jesus through His Spirit we are transformed into His very likeness. Take time this Easter to behold the Lord with fresh spiritual eyes. Read Isaiah 6:1 – 8 or Revelation 19:11 – 16. Then respond in worship and prayer.