"I Have Seen the Lord"

[Announce text] Please look with me in Scripture at John 20:1-18.

[Scripture introduction] In the forth gospel according to John unfolds an earthy shattering drama containing unbelievable news of the recently crucified man - Jesus of Nazareth - who has been seen wandering in a garden. It is this undeniable event in which that the world we inhabit is forever changed.

[Reannounce and read text] Read with me these words concerning the man found in the garden in John 20:1-18. [The preacher reads the Scripture passage out loud.]

[Prayer for illumination] Pray with me as we ask God to direct our hearts and minds into his sacred word. [The minister offers a brief prayer asking the Holy Spirit to bless the understanding of the preacher and hearers as God’s Word is proclaimed.]

[Introduction] John’s gospel beautifully illustrates the hope of resurrection: this living hope comforts the weeping, explains the impossible, and spreads a message. What used to be sorrowful, unthinkable, and silent has now been undone through Christ’s resurrection. He is making all things new.

This is certainly the case on Easter Sunday. God has called us to remember His Story, His Resurrection. Which is why we are to look at three elements of the hope found on Easter morning. There are three parts of which we can be certain that hope has arrived.

[Main Point 1] Our hope begins with an empty tomb.

The sealed tomb testifies that Jesus has departed.

The linen testifies Jesus needed no veil on his face when he was in the presence of God (Exodus 34:33-35).

Compared to Lazarus, Jesus shrugged off the linen and arose from the grave. He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).

[Main Point 2] Our hope has ascended into heaven.

Jesus was returning to the Father (John 20:17). He lives next and with God forever (John 1:1).

Through his ascension, Jesus is always with us.

[Main Point 3] Our hope will raise us to new life.

The resurrection remakes us into children of God (John 1:12).

Our hope raises our voices to proclaim the good news.

[Conclusion] Easter is about the hope of the empty grave, the ascension of Jesus and new life we have been given by God. Let’s us rejoice and spread this transforming news.

[Prayer for Transformation] Pray with me as we ask the Lord to transform us. [The minister prays for the congregation to rejoice and hope today and forever!]