Primary Scripture: Luke 24:1-12
24 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.

9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Free-Form Sermon Notes

Sermon Outline

Big Idea
The empty tomb is God’s ultimate declaration that love wins—and that love now calls us to live a Resurrection Life.

Section 1: A Surprise at the Tomb

• Jesus upends expectations–stones roll back, hope breaks through.

Section 2: Four Degrees of Love (St. Bernard of Clairveux)

• Love
  Reveal Answer

  God
  for
  Reveal Answer

  my
  sake – God, help me.
• Love
  Reveal Answer

  God
  for
  Reveal Answer

  God’s
  sake – God, You are worthy.
• Love
  Reveal Answer

  others
  for
  Reveal Answer

  God’s
  sake – outward mission.
• Love
  Reveal Answer

  myself
  for
  Reveal Answer

  God’s
  sake – living as God’s beloved.

Section 3: Resurrection Life Continues

• The story flows straight into Acts—the Spirit empowers everyday people to witness in word and deed.

Reflection Questions

1. Which “degree of love” best describes where you are today?
2. What “stone” does God need to roll away in your life?
3. Where might the risen Jesus be sending you to share resurrection hope this week?

Practice this week

1. Remember: Start each day by praying, “Lord, form Your resurrection love in me today.”
2. Reach Out: Perform one act of self‑giving love for someone who can’t repay you.
3. Receive: Sit quietly for five minutes, breathing in the truth, “I am God’s beloved.”

Next Steps and Series Preview

1. Join us next Sunday as we launch “Resurrection Life: A Journey through the Book of Acts.”
2. A Daily Reading Guide is available here as well as on the back of the “This week at Wesley” insert.