The Easter weekend is a special weekend for Christians who believed that Jesus Christ died for our sins (Good Friday) and he rose from the tomb on the third day for our justification and sanctification for all those who believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and life (Resurrection Sunday).
Free Easter Sermons focus primarily on the two events that took place on Easter Friday and Easter Sunday – the death of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Free Easter Sermons
Often people refer to these two events as Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday.
On Good Friday, Jesus Christ died on the Cross of Calvary for our sins. On Resurrection Sunday, Jesus Christ rose from the grave to give new life.
Easter Friday Sermon (Luke 23:39-43)
Introduction: Andrew Lansdown wrote: I once sat with an elderly man in hospital as he died, His daughter had been with him during most of his last days, but unfortunately she was absent at his death.
When she saw me shortly afterwards, one of the first things she asked was, “Did he say anything?”
Often, man’s final words are lasting words because they can tell us so much about that person. For example: D.L. Moody on his deathbed said, “Earth is receding; heaven is approaching. This is my crowning day.” With these words, you can sense Moody was ready to meet his maker.
And yet, it was so different for Thomas Carlyle. His dying words were, “I am as good as without hope…a sad old man gazing into the final chasm” In these words, you can sense tremendous fear…it seems he had no hope and no assurance.
But listen to Martin Luther’s daughter, Magdelena: when she was fourteen years old, she was taken sick and lay dying. Luther prayed, “O God, I love her so, but nevertheless, Thy will be done.” Then he turned to his daughter and said, “Magdelena, would you rather be with me, or would you rather go and be with your Father in heaven?” And the girl said, “Father, as God wills.” Luther held her in his arms as she passed away.”
Final words are lasting words because they can tell us so much about a person.
The cross words of Calvary were final words, and as we listen to these words, we can learn so much about these three men who were nailed on those crosses on that first Easter Friday.
So, I want to look briefly at the three final cross words of Calvary.
In fact, these cross words tell us the Easter story.
So, let’s look at them and let’s see what we can learn from these Cross words.
The first cross words of Calvary are . . .
1. Words of rejection (Luke 23:39)
“Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him [ie. Jesus], saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’”
When I read that, I realized that these words were not new words.
A. These are not new words
This criminal was simply reiterating what had already been said by many others before him.
Look at verses 35-37, “And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, ‘He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.’ And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, ‘If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.’”
These words are not new words, furthermore . . .
B. These words of rejection are still heard today
Show me God and I will believe…show me his power and I will believe.
Many rejected Christ on that first Easter Friday. You know, many reject Him today.
And the result of this is that our country has made Easter a holiday rather than a Holy day.
Easter is a holy day not a holiday!
TRIVIA: the word holiday comes from an old English word meaning holy day.
Because we have rejected the story of Easter, we have made a holy day into a holiday.
So, the first cross words of Calvary are words of rejection.
The second cross words of Calvary are . . .
2. Words of repentance (Luke 23:40-41)
Something happened on the cross.
We are not told exactly what happened…but something did happen!
Because in Matthew 27:44, it says both criminals reviled Jesus with the same thing.
Also, in Mark 15:32, it says that both criminals reviled Jesus.
However, here in Luke we hear words of repentance (23:40-41)
First, the criminal rebuked his partner, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?”
Second, he admitted his guilt, saying, “And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds.”
Third, he confessed Jesus’ innocence, saying, “But this man [Jesus] has done nothing wrong!”
I wonder, what led to this change of heart – this repentant spirit?
Again, we are not really told!
Maybe, the fear of God came upon him because he did say to his mate, “Do you not even fear God?”
Maybe, the witness of Jesus stopped him in his tracks and made him think because Jesus did say some powerful words: “Father, forgive them.” Just imagine the impact of those words alone!
Regardless of whatever happened, we do know that it led to a repentant heart.
And down through the centuries many have followed in words of repentance.
So, the second cross words of Calvary are words of repentance.
The third cross words of Calvary are . . .
3. Words of redemption (23:42-43)
The criminal’s words of redemption are seen in…
A. His acknowledgement of Jesus’ Kingship (Luke 23:42)
“Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
In that sense, he acknowledged that Jesus was the way, the truth, and the life.
He acknowledged that Jesus was the way into God’s kingdom.
He acknowledged that all that took place upon that cross on that first Easter Friday paved the way for entrance into God’s kingdom.
That’s why we celebrate Easter!
It reminds us that Jesus died on Easter Friday…was buried…and rose from the grave on Easter Sunday.
All this took place so that mankind could enter into God’s kingdom through Jesus Christ…so that mankind could be restored back to God.
Furthermore, Jesus’ words of redemption are seen in . . .
B. His assurance of immediate entry into kingdom of God (Luke 23:43)
Jesus said, “Today, you will be with me in paradise”
This man who rejected Jesus at first had a change of heart, and now he was destined for paradise.
Conclusion: Yes, we will hear words of rejection.
Nevertheless, God still calls Christians to proclaim words of redemption…the Easter message about Jesus Christ are words of redemption.
And when we proclaim these words of redemption, I believe we will hear words of repentance.
Many people down through the centuries have heard the words of redemption and responded with words of repentance.
Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
Will you heed the words of redemption this Easter morning and respond with words of repentance?
These free Easter sermons were compiled by Rev. D. Blackburn BA GDM
Short Easter Sunday Sermon Outline
Introduction: As we talk about the resurrection of Jesus Christ this Easter, many of us will turn our thoughts to life beyond the grace. After all, if the resurrection of Jesus Christ point to any one truth, it is that there is life beyond the grace. To put it another way, death is not the end. Now, if this is true (and it is true), then the resurrection of Jesus Christ has eternal implications for every living soul.
First, all people will be raised. Jesus Himself said, “For the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29).
Second, all people will be judged. The Bible says, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27).
Third, all people will be divided into one of two groups. The Bible says, “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matt. 25:46).
Fourth, all people must make a decision. The Bible says, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Moreover, the Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
Conclusion: Our decision to choose Christ today will not only decide our eternal destiny but also shape our life here on earth. As that song goes, “Because He lives I can face tomorrow; because He lives all fear is gone; because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives.”
These free Easter sermons were compiled by Rev. D. Blackburn BA GDM