Luke 24:1-12

Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.  But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.  Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.  Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’”  And they remembered His words.  Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.  It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles.  And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them.  But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

• He is risen – Hallelujah!
• He is risen – Hallelujah
• He is risen – Hallelujah    

The text asks the question, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  But that question can be changed as we take a closer look.  Why?

Why did redemption for mankind have to come about in such a drastic, horrific scene as the betrayal, the trial, the crucifixion?

Why did the Son of God have to go through such torture, misery and pain?

We find the answer to this question in the words of Jesus as He hung on the cross. 

John 19:30 – So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

“It is finished” – In those words He said, “the work that You have sent me to do has been completed.  The battle for men’s souls is now won.  They do not have to die in their sins any more Father.”

• “It is finished” – “I have taken upon Myself the sin of the whole world.
• “It is finished” – The price is paid!
• “It is finished” – All men and women can have forgiveness.
• “It is finished” – Even the worst of sinners can know pardon.  They do not have to go on day after day in their sorrow, sin and shame.
• “It is finished” – Jesus said, “I have done the work You sent me to do. 
• “It is finished” – There is nothing left undone.

The second question we find in this text is “Why do you seek?”  In other words

• What are you looking for? 
• What is it you seek in life? 
• What brings fulfillment?
•  What brings true contentment and joy?

The answer to this question is found also in the words of Christ Jesus our Lord.  He answers this question in this way

Matthew 6:33 – But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Isaiah 55:6-7 – Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

God is what we need to be looking for. 

Jeremiah 29:13 – And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

• Are we looking in the right place?
• What do you seek after?
• What are you looking for?

Christ is the answer!!!!

“Only one life – will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Nothing else ultimately matters.  The risen Christ is the one who can satisfy every need, every longing, and every desire you have ever had, or will ever have.  He and He alone is the answer to what man seeks for.

The question in this test asks, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”  The only thing that will give life, joy and vitality that lasts for more than a fleeting moment is Jesus and the things of God. Since Adam and Eve, mankind has been seeking for life in things that cannot satisfy.

• Drugs
• Alcohol
• Pornography
• Illicit sex
• Money
• Fame

Only one thing can bring true and lasting satisfaction 

• The risen Christ
• The one who died on the cross
• The one who suffered pain
• The one who gave His life

Why seek the living among the dead?  Make a total commitment to Christ who gave His life that you might live.