When the resurrected Jesus shows up and calls us by name, the way we see everything else radically changes.
— Mary didn’t go home.
They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. 11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. —John 20:9-11
— Mary had a personal encounter with Jesus that changed her life.
Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons… —Luke 8:2 NLT
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” —John 20:13-15
- Mary does not understand. (verse 9)
- Mary does not find what she is looking for. (verse 13)
- Mary does not recognize Jesus. (verses 14-15)
— The One who knows Mary like no one else… shows up and calls her by name.
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). —John 20:16
— Being in the presence of the resurrected Christ ignites hope and joy.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… —1 Peter 1:3
The grace of God transforms broken people into bold witnesses.
Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” —John 20:17-18
- Our call: Go and tell everyone we can to come and see that Jesus saves!
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Talk About It
The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are not just historical events and facts that we celebrate – they become the very lens through which we see the world around us. God wants to upgrade the lens through which we see the world. When the resurrected Jesus shows up and calls us by name, it radically changes the way we see everything else. At the tomb, Mary is weeping because of what she cannot not understand, what she cannot find and what she cannot recognize. The very thing she was looking for, and the very thing she needed… was right there, and she didn’t see him. But when she did, everything changed, and she became the first person to go and tell others about the resurrected Jesus.
John 20:1-18; Luke 8:1-3; 1 Peter 1:3
Discussion questions
- Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
- Read Luke 8:1-3. Have you had a personal encounter with Jesus that changed your life? Please share with your group.
- Read John 20:11-18. In what ways do you feel God’s presence in your life? What are some of the subtle ways God reveals Himself to you?
- Pastor Gregg described Mary’s struggle to see who Jesus really was. What things cloud your vision and hinder you from seeing Jesus accurately? In which area of your life would you have more faith, hope, and joy by seeing them through the lens of the cross and resurrection?
- When Mary saw the resurrected Jesus, everything changed, and she became the first person to carry the message about the resurrection of Jesus. How has the grace of God motivated you to share this message with others? Who has God put on your heart to reach out to? What is one step you can take go and tell them to come and see that Jesus saves?
Take a Step
- What is one thing you can do to experience God’s presence in a greater way?
- Who is one person you are praying will come to know Jesus? What is one step you can take go and tell them?
Here’s My Prayer
Father, thank You for being near to me even when I can’t see You or understand what You’re doing. Please reveal Yourself to me in a greater way so I can serve You and honor You with my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.