The Resurrected Lord
John 20:1-18
[1] Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. [2] So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” [3] So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. [4] Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. [5] And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. [6] Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, [7] and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. [8] Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; [9] for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. [10] Then the disciples went back to their homes.
[11] But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. [12] And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. [13] They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” [14] Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. [15] Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” [16] Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). [17] Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” [18] Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does the Resurrection do to the fear of death? How has God used this truth to strengthen and bring courage to you through life’s uncertainties?
2. How is Mary’s devotion similar to what we saw with the woman at the end of Luke 7? What does this teach about motivation in the Christian life?
3. What is the significance of the day itself when the Resurrection occurred? How does it relate to our practice today?
4. Which details in this narrative stand out to you in terms of apologetics / defending the Christian faith? What is the significance of Mary Magdalene as the first witness?
5. How does this passage highlight Jesus as the Good Shepherd who loves his sheep? How does he refer to his disciples and what comforting message does he give them?
6. How does Jesus’ Sonship relate to our sonship? How is he both like us and different?
References: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Peter 1:10-11; Hebrews 2:14-15; Luke 8:2; 7:36-50; Mark 16:1; John 11:44; 20:19; Psalm 16:10; Matthew 20:16; John 10:3, 27-28; 1:12, 14.
