“Why We Celebrate Easter”#1. God cares (the cross)- Jesus eats final meal with disciples- struggles in the garden- falsely accused and arrested- appears in court and is spat upon, beaten, slapped, and mocked- abandoned by His closest friends- chosen to be executed instead of a well-known murdererMatthew 27: 26b after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.Romans 5: 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.#2. God is able (the resurrection)II Corinthians 1: 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. (ESV)Matthew 28: 1-8 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. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.I Corinthians 15: 17-19 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.Romans 6: 8-9 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.Philippians 4: 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.#3. God is calling us (the ascension)Acts 1: 1-11John 20: 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”- am I staying close to my Lord?- am I growing in Christ?- am I impacting the lives of others for Him?