Easter Sunday Sermon Summary – April 20 2025

Celebrating Resurrection with the Apostle Peter Luke 24: 1-12
The day our Lord conquered death by rising from the dead, He began his ministry of strengthening his true followers to continue the ministry he had begun.

1. Repented Peter
Tell the disciples and tell Peter
Mark 16: 7
Peter was in a different mindset than others because he denied that he knew Jesus.  When Jesus turned back and looked at him, he was convicted of his unfaithfulness and repented, but he couldn’t reconcile with Jesus. Jesus was taken away to be crucified.  But our Lord who sees the hearts of people, knew that he had repented so when he rose from the dead, he told Mary Magdalene to inform the disciples and Peter that he is risen and that he will meet them in Galilee.  The resurrected power of Jesus comes after every repented person. 

2.  Revived Peter
Peter ran and went into the tomb
John 20:4

When Peter heard that Jesus has risen from the dead he began running to the tomb. John joined him and both of them ran together. John outran Peter and reached the tomb first; but when Peter reached the tomb he ran right inside the tomb and witnessed the empty tomb. He was revived in his spirit and had a new hope that he will meet Jesus again. In his preaching at Cornelius’ house Peter testifies that when Jesus rose again he did not show himself alive to everyone; but only to his chosen people. We, who celebrate the victory of Jesus must be excited whenever we think of His resurrection. 

3.  Recommissioned Peter
Peter saw the Lord personally
Luke 24: 34, 1 Corinthians 15:5

These two scripture verses tell us that Peter had a personal encounter with Jesus after he rose from the dead. The apostle Paul witnesses that Jesus was seen by Peter and then by the other apostles. Later, Jesus was going to recommission Peter into the ministry. He asked him thrice, “Peter, do you love me more than these?”  The Lord sees our hearts and knows our thoughts, so He chooses according to His purpose. Jesus chose Peter to be the leader of the early church. He will choose you and use you according to His purpose. Amen