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Easter Sunday Sermon - (posted late due to family emergency)

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline 4/20/25

“The Authority of the Cross”

The death and resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in the history of humanity. The annual celebration we call “Easter” was intended to emphasize the truth and importance of this historical fact. But well intended traditions have distracted us from the authority of Christ revealed to us in His teaching, in His miracles, in His death, and in His resurrection. 

John 10:17-18 – No one takes Christ’s life,

He lays it down

Matthew 21:23-27 – Jesus’s authority questioned

Matt. 28:18 – ALL authority has been given to Jesus  

Authority over Nature

• Earthquakes – Matthew 27:51 & 28:2
• Creation “groans” - Romans 8:18-25

Authority over Empire

• The Cohort in Gethsemane - John 18:2-8
• Interrogation by Pilate – John 19:7-12
• The Centurion at the cross – Matthew 27:54 (also Mark 15:39 & Luke 23:47)

Authority over the Law

• The Transfiguration - Mark 9:2-13
• The curtain in the Temple rips – Matthew 27:51

(also Mark 15:38, Luke 23:44)

Authority to Forgive

• The Paralytic – Matthew 9:6
• For those mocking and abusing Him – Luke 23:34
• For the criminal next to Him – Luke 23:39-43

Authority over Death

• Dead raised to Life – Matthew 27:52-53
• Preaching to “imprisoned spirits” – 1 Peter 3:19-22