From Grief to Glory!

From Grief to Glory: The Resurrection Revealed

Bible Passage: Jn 20:1–18

Summary: This passage tells the profound story of Mary Magdalene's experience at the empty tomb. In her grief, she encounters the risen Christ, illustrating the transition from despair to joy and the personal relationship believers can have with the resurrected Savior.

Application: This sermon can offer hope and encouragement to those in grief or searching for meaning in their suffering. It emphasizes that transformational encounters with Christ can turn our sorrow into joy, revealing His intimate love and presence in our lives even in the toughest moments.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that the resurrection of Jesus is not simply a historical event but a deeply personal and transformative experience. It challenges the audience to open their hearts to the possibility of encountering Christ in their pain and to share their experiences of transformation with others.

How this passage could point to Christ: The resurrection of Christ is pivotal in the narrative of Scripture, demonstrating God’s power to redeem and restore. It connects back to prophecies and foreshadowing found in the Old Testament, affirming Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promise for salvation and eternal life.

Big Idea: The personal encounter with the risen Christ transforms grief into glory, inviting believers to a deeper relationship and renewed hope amid life’s challenges.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, you might explore the socio-cultural implications of Mary Magdalene's role in the resurrection narrative. Delve into the significance of her encounter with Jesus and consider utilizing Logos to examine different translations of the word 'Rabboni' as it highlights the depth of this personal relationship. Additionally, studying early church writings on the resurrection can provide insights into its impact on Christian identity.

Good morning,

Happy Easter, He is risen.....He is risen indeed.

It is great to have you with us this morning as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

If you are visiting with us today, we have been preparing for this Sunday for quite a while as we have journeyed through the entire Gospel of John to bring us to this point today.

Last Sunday we celebrated Palm Sunday, the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem with our Annual Easter Cantata. Thursday night we shared family communion as Christ did with His disciples, Friday night we remebered our Lord and his death through out Good Friday service. And now we are here, Easter Sunday, the tomb is empty!

But what does that mean for you? What does today truly mean for us? As we look at John’s account of this world changing moment, place yourself at the tomb, imagine the emotions, feel the transformative power of what has occured today!

John 20:1–18 NIV

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 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.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 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.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 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.’ ” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Big Idea: A personal encounter with the risen Christ transforms grief into glory, inviting us to a deeper relationship with Christ. Completing our Redemption Story.

1. Grief at the Grave

John 20:1–4 NIV

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

You could start by highlighting Mary Magdalene's initial grief and confusion upon discovering the empty tomb. This moment represents the shock and uncertainty we all face in times of loss. By recognizing her pain, we draw parallel to our own sorrows, setting the stage for Christ's presence to transform those emotions. This sorrow begins the journey from grief towards experiencing resurrection glory.

2. Gazing at the Graveclothes

John 20:5–10 NIV

He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Perhaps you might explore the disciples' reactions as they enter the tomb and find Jesus' burial clothes but not Him. Their confusion signifies the void left when hope seems lost. Explain how their search leads to a confirming moment of faith. This encourages believers to seek Jesus actively in moments of emptiness, holding onto the promise that He's alive and at work in unseen ways.

3. Glory of the Garden

John 20:11–18 NIV

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 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.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 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.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 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.’ ” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Maybe focus on Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ, showcasing how her sorrow turns to joy. Emphasize Jesus' gentle yet profound revelation of His identity. This personal encounter invites believers to see the resurrection as a promise of intimate relationship with Christ. Encourage listeners to find hope in their pain, trusting Christ's presence to turn despair into victory.