Drawn to Jesus
Notes
Transcript
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.
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.”
So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.
Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.
Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there,
and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.
Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;
for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
Then the disciples went back to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.
And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.
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.”
Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.
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.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).
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.’ ”
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
Introduction
Introduction
On a cool spring morning, Mary Magdalene approached the tomb of Jesus with a heavy heart.
The One who had freed her from demons and lavished her with dignity was gone.
Crucified. Buried. Or so she thought.
But when Mary encountered the risen Christ, everything changed.
Despair turned to joy. Grief gave way to hope.
Jesus drew Mary to Himself, just as He draws all people to Himself today.
As we celebrate Easter, let's explore how Jesus draws us by His cross, His resurrection, and His ascension.
Drawn Three Ways
Drawn Three Ways
By the Cross (John 12:32)
By the Cross (John 12:32)
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Jesus knew he would die on a cross, just he knew he would rise from the grave.
By His cross, Jesus draws all people to Himself because:
He died for all without exclusion, demonstrating God's love (Rom 5:8; 1 John 2:2)
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
In the same way, He calls us to die to self and follow Him (Luke 9:23-24)
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
The cross, an instrument of shame and suffering, becomes our source of life and healing when we:
Look to Jesus lifted up and believe (Num 21:9, John 3:14-15)
Take up our cross and surrender to Him (Gal 2:20)
Today, we come together to celebrate that Jesus has drawn all people to himself through the resurrection.
By His Resurrection
By His Resurrection
Mary's tears turned to joy when the risen Jesus called her name (John 20:16).
His resurrection proves:
He is the Son of God, victorious over death (Rom 1:4)
His sacrifice for sin was accepted; our debt is paid (Rom 4:25)
He reigns forever as our living Hope (1 Pet 1:3)
By rising from the dead, Jesus draws all people to Himself because:
He offers new, resurrection life to all who believe (2 Cor 5:17)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
He invites us to share in His life, mission, and worship (Rom 6:4; Col 3:1)
Embracing the power of Jesus' resurrection means:
Receiving His life-giving Spirit within (Rom 8:11)
Walking in newness of life to please God (Rom 6:4)
The third way Jesus draws us is through his ascension.
By His Ascension
By His Ascension
And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,
and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Forty days after conquering the grave, Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11) to:
Return to the Father and receive glory (John 17:5)
Intercede for us as our Advocate (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25)
Prepare a place for us in His Father's house (John 14:2-3)
By ascending on high, Jesus draws all people to Himself because:
He is our connection to the Father's love and care (John 16:27)
He gives us access to God's throne of grace (Heb 4:14-16)
He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in and empower us (John 16:7; Acts 1:8)
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
We live in light of Jesus' ascension by:
Seeking the things above where Christ is (Col 3:1-2)
Engaging in His mission as His ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20)
Eagerly awaiting His glorious return (Titus 2:13)
Application
Application
Friends, Jesus is drawing you to Himself today. Yes, YOU!
How will you respond?
Will you respond in faith, confessing your need for Jesus,
And receiving His forgiveness and new life believing in Jesus as Savior and Lord?
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Will you respond in obedience - following Jesus with your whole life?
Identify one step of obedience to take this week (prayer, giving, serving, sharing)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Will you respond in loving devotion to Jesus and His Body, the Church?
Will you commit to growing in intimacy with Jesus through prayer and Scripture.
Will you pursue genuine fellowship with other believers for encouragement and mission.
Will you respond?
Conclusion
Conclusion
Mary's story can be your story.
An encounter with the risen Jesus changes everything!
At the empty tomb, Jesus drew Mary to Himself in a personal, powerful way.
He is drawing you today - not just to forgive your sins,
but to fill your life with His resurrection hope and power.
As we celebrate Easter, let us respond to Jesus with faith, obedience and love.
Let us cling to Him as our risen Savior, and proclaim to the world:
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Prayer
Prayer
Risen Lord Jesus, thank You for drawing us to Yourself through the power of Your cross, resurrection and ascension. Forgive us for seeking life apart from You. Draw us close, that we may know You deeply, obey You fully, and love You wholeheartedly. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit, that we may overflow with Your resurrection life, hope and love. Use us to draw many to You, for Your glory and praise! In Your mighty name we pray, Amen.
Application Questions
Application Questions
What emotions did Mary Magdalene experience when she approached the tomb of Jesus?
According to the sermon, how does Jesus draw all people to Himself through His cross, resurrection, and ascension?
In what ways does the sermon suggest believers can respond to Jesus drawing them to Himself?
How does the sermon emphasize the importance of obedience in following Jesus?