THE STORY OF EASTER

Do You Trust Jesus With Your Life?

Week 3 • April 12, 2026

BIG IDEA

If Jesus is not just Savior but King, then what does the risen King want from me?

1  He Wants My Surrender — I Am Under His Authority

Matthew 28:18 (NLT)  “Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.’”

When we hear “authority” we think control, restriction, and loss. But Jesus is different—He has never used His authority to take from us. He uses it to give to us.

Philippians 2:6–11 (NLT)  “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges… he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

• He didn’t take His authority—it was given to Him because of His sacrifice.
• His authority is guiding, protecting, caring, providing, and empowering.
• Surrendering to Jesus isn’t losing yourself—it’s the first step toward becoming who you were actually created to be.

He’s not asking you to give up control so He can take something from you. He’s asking you to trust Him—because He has already proven He’s willing to lay down everything for you.

2  He Wants My Participation — I Am Part of His Mission

Matthew 28:19 (NLT)  “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus didn’t say to make converts or gather crowds. A disciple knows Jesus, follows Jesus, and obeys Jesus. This isn’t one more thing Jesus wants from you—He’s giving your life a purpose big enough to make it actually matter.

1 Peter 2:9 (NLT)  “You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”

• You weren’t created just to live for yourself.
• A life centered on only you will never be big enough for you.
• You don’t have to be impressive, have all the answers, or be a pastor.

You just have to be willing to:

• Care about people
• Start conversations
• Invite someone in
• Share what God has done in your life

Jesus isn’t trying to get something out of you. He’s inviting you into something bigger than you.

3  He Wants Me to Go — And He Is With Me

Matthew 28:20 (NLT)  “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus didn’t say, “I’ll help you if you do it right.” He said, “I’m with you.” This is how God has always worked:

• Moses said, “I can’t speak.” God said, “I’ll be with you.”
• Joshua was afraid stepping into leadership. God said, “I’ll be with you.”
• Jeremiah said, “I’m too young.” God said, “I’ll be with you.”

John 20:21 (NLT)  “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT)  “We are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’”

There’s a difference between confidence and trust:

• Confidence says, “I believe I can do this.”
• Trust says, “I believe God will be with me when I do.”

God doesn’t wait for people to feel ready. He goes with people who are willing. You’re not going to feel ready—but you are called.

Reflection

• Surrender: Where are you still in control? Where are you telling Jesus “you can have this—but not that”?
• Participation: Who is one person in your life right now who is far from God? Pray for them, talk to them, include them.
• Trust: What step has God been nudging you toward that you’ve been waiting to feel ready for?

God doesn’t reach people through programs. He reaches them through people—through you. The same Jesus who said “Go” also said “I’m with you.”

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