Judges 3:7–11 – A Risen Hope [Resurrection Sunday 2024]

Judges 3:7–11 – A Risen Hope [Resurrection Sunday 2024]

Introduction:
Resurrection Sunday is a day of celebration. I don’t want to diminish that. But to relegate the celebration to a singular day misses out on the very meaning of what Jesus accomplished. The effects of what Jesus did, securing salvation for all those who believe, is not for a season of the year but should be the core of our life as Christians.

To give an image—if Jesus’ resurrection was just the punctuation mark at the end of the story, we might be tempted to celebrate it once a year. But if it is the fuel for everything we do, then it becomes the ongoing source of hope and power for our daily lives.

And yes, we are still in the book of Judges to see how so. It is a perfect example of people in bondage who were freed from their sin and rebellion by a merciful God.

Text: Judges 3:7–11

1. The sins of Israel led them into slavery (vv. 7–8)

Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD—they forgot Him and worshiped idols. Their sins weren’t sudden; they happened slowly through compromise. What began as putting Canaanites into forced labor eventually became full-blown idolatry (Judges 1:27–28).

Their hearts were drawn in by what seemed attractive, entertaining, and promising. The same temptations exist today—our culture is designed to pull us away from Christ (Mark 4:18–19; 1 John 2:15–17). When we rationalize sin, we become enslaved to it (James 1:13–15; John 8:31–34).

2. The LORD showed mercy and saved them from their bondage (vv. 9–10)

Though they rebelled, when Israel cried out, the LORD raised up Othniel to save them. This wasn’t because they deserved it—but because God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:1–10).

Othniel is a shadow of the true Savior. Jesus is the one raised up to save—not just a temporary deliverer, but the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29–34). Like Othniel, He was filled with the Spirit and appointed as Judge (John 5:25–29; Revelation 20:11–15). He went to war against sin and death—and He won (Hebrews 2:14–18; Revelation 1:12–18).

3. Their hope died (v. 11)

Othniel died. The people’s rest ended. But our hope did not die. Our Savior rose again (Revelation 5:6–13). He lives and reigns now. The resurrection wasn’t just a moment—it’s a promise that continues to sustain us. This is the reason we rejoice—not just on Resurrection Sunday—but every single day.

Conclusion:

The resurrection of Jesus is not just the proof of life after death—it is the declaration of God’s victory over sin and the assurance that all who are in Christ are no longer condemned. In Judges, salvation died with the judge. In Christ, salvation lives forever. We live because He lives.

Scripture References

  • Judges 1:27–28 – Israel’s compromise laid the groundwork for future oppression.
  • Mark 4:18–19 – Worldly distractions choke out God’s Word.
  • 1 John 2:15–17 – Love for the world competes with love for the Father.
  • James 1:13–15 – Temptation leads to sin, which leads to death.
  • John 8:31–34 – Jesus teaches that sin enslaves, but truth sets free.
  • Ephesians 2:1–10 – God saves us by grace when we were dead in sin.
  • John 1:29–34 – Jesus is the Lamb of God and the one who gives the Spirit.
  • John 5:25–29 – Jesus will raise the dead and judge all.
  • Revelation 20:11–15 – The final judgment before God’s throne.
  • Hebrews 2:14–18 – Jesus became like us to destroy the power of death.
  • Revelation 1:12–18 – Christ is alive forever and holds the keys to death.
  • Revelation 5:6–13 – The Lamb who was slain is now exalted and worshiped.

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