WEEK 5 - THE GREATEST COMEBACK

April 5th, 2026
by Reverend Douglas Spencer, Sr.

The Greatest - Sermon Series

WEEK 5 - THE GREATEST COMEBACK

Theme:
He’s alive. Everything changes now.
Core Idea:
The resurrection is not just an event — it is a victory that transforms every life.

Key Scriptures
  • Matthew 28:1–10
  • John 20:1–18
  • 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, 20–22

INTRODUCTION — Why We Love Comebacks

  • Everyone loves a comeback story. 
  • But the greatest comeback in history is Jesus rising from the dead. 
  • Easter is not about a moment; it’s about a miracle that changes everything. 

I. THE RESURRECTION IS A HISTORICAL REALITY 

Text: Matthew 28:1–10; John 20:1–18; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 
 
A. The Empty Tomb (Matthew 28:1–10)
  • Women arrive expecting a body. 
  • Stone rolled away. 
  • Angel declares: “He is not here; He is risen.” 
  • No one—friend or enemy—ever produced a body. 

B. Eyewitness Encounters (John 20:1–18)
  • Mary Magdalene meets the risen Jesus. 
  • She hears His voice and recognizes Him. 
  • This is physical, personal, undeniable. 

C. Hundreds of Witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3–8)
  • Jesus appears to Peter, the Twelve, 500+, James, and Paul. 
  • Paul invites verification: “Most of them are still alive.” 
  • Christianity began with evidence, not rumor.

II. THE RESURRECTION IS A COSMIC VICTORY

A. Death Is Defeated
  • Death is humanity’s greatest enemy. 
  • Jesus didn’t escape death—He conquered it. 
  • The grave could not hold Him. 

B. Sin Is Broken
  • The cross paid the price. The resurrection proves the payment was accepted. 
  • Because He lives, forgiveness is real and available. 

C. Satan Is Defeated
  • Jesus rises with authority and victory. 
  • The enemy loses his power to define your past or future. 

III. THE RESURRECTION IS A PERSONAL INVITATION 

A. Jesus Is Alive Today
  • Not a memory, not a symbol—a living Savior. 
  • He knows you, sees you, and calls you by name. 

B. The Same Power That Raised Jesus Can Raise Your Life
  • Romans 8:11 — resurrection power lives in believers. 
  • Jesus raises:  
    • Dead hope 
    • Dead faith 
    • Dead relationships 
    • Dead purpose 
    • Dead hearts

C. The Resurrection Demands a Response
  • The women worshiped. 
  • Mary clung to Him. 
  • The disciples believed. 
  • Paul surrendered. 
  • The resurrection calls for faith, surrender, and trust. 

IV. THE RESURRECTION IS YOUR INVITATION TO NEW LIFE 

A. Jesus Came for You
  • Lived the life you couldn’t live. 
  • Died the death you deserved. 
  • Rose to give you new life. 

B. Salvation Is a Gift
  • Not earned. 
  • Not achieved. 
  • Received by faith. 

C. Today Is the Day
  • Not “someday.” 
  • Not “when I’m ready.” 
  • Jesus is calling your name today. 

CONCLUSION

THE GREATEST COMEBACK CAN BECOME YOUR COMEBACK

  • Jesus walked out of the tomb so you can walk out of your past. 
  • He rose so you can rise. 
  • He lives so you can live. 
  • He’s alive. Everything changes now.
Posted in Sermon Notes