Seeing the Risen Jesus
I. The WOMAN who comes to the TOMB. (v.1-2)
A. The RUMOURS are MANY . (Lk. 7:36-50; Jn 12:1-8)
B. The TRUTH of a life TRANSFORMED. (Lk. 8:1-2)
C. An EXAMPLE of DEVOTION. (Jn. 19:25; Mk. 15:46-47; v.1,10)
There are many who come to the tomb of Jesus that first Resurrection Sunday, but John, and Jesus seems to highlight Mary of Magdalene in a unique way. There’s a lot of rumours about Mary that have developed over the years, but what we actually know is very little.
1. Kid’s Question: Have you ever been to a funeral? What was that like?
2. What have been your ideas about Mary Magdalene in the past? Why did you have those? Are your thoughts different now?
II. The EVENTS of that particular MORNING. (v.1-18)
A. An TOMB with a VACANCY sign. (v.1-2)
B. An INVESTIGATION by the DISCIPLES. (v.3-9)
C. Yet Mary is the ONE who LINGERS. (v.10-18)
It’s a story that we’ve heard over and over, but one that needs to be revisited because the events of that particular morning have changed everything. Not just history, but the fundamental fabric of reality is different now. That’s what we believe. That’s what we stake everything on.
3. What stands out to you the most about John’s retelling of the resurrection? Why do you think that is?
4. When have you felt that God has “been taken away” or just doesn’t seem to be there in your life? What was that like?
III. MARY and her ENCOUNTER with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
A. Encounter is an AWARENESS of PRESENCE. (v.15-16; Mt. 28:20)
B. Encounter moves toward LOVE and DEVOTION. (v.1,11; Ps. 27:4)
C. Encounter doesn’t HAPPEN on our TIMELINE. (v.5-10; Jn. 6:15)
D. Encounter STRIPS away PRECONCEIVED ideas. (v.2,13,15; Lk. 24:25-27; Job 42:1-6)
E. Encounter is DEEPLY PERSONAL. (v.16-18; Lk 24:30-32)
F. Encounter SHOULD be shared COMMUNALLY . (v.18,30-31; Acts 4:20)
Mary’s encounter with Jesus is a place that we can pause and reflect on our own interactions with Jesus. She models of us the tenacity and desire that seeks to show love and devotion to Him. The encounter changes her forever, in ways she could never fully understand in the moment. It can do the same for us.
5. How confident are you of God’s eternal presence with you? How aware of it are you?
6. What are things that you deeply love? How did you come to love them so much? How might that relate to growing in love for Jesus?
7. When has God stripped away your preconceived ideas or not worked according to your preferred timeline?
8. When have you had a God encounter? What was that like? Did it change you? If so in what way?