"I've Seen the Lord! Outline

John 20:1–18 ESV

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.

I Have Seen the Lord: The Evidence of Resurrection

Bible Passage: John 20:1–18

Summary: In John 20:1–18, Mary Magdalene encounters the empty tomb of Jesus and experiences a transformative moment where she recognizes the risen Christ, leading to her proclamation of His resurrection to the disciples.

Application: This passage encourages believers to personally encounter the risen Christ and share their faith with others, highlighting the transformative power of seeing Jesus in our own lives despite doubts and fears.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that a personal encounter with Christ can radically change our perspective and mission, moving us from sorrow to joy and from silence to proclamation.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage illustrates how the resurrection of Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and affirms His identity as the Messiah, emphasizing His victory over death which is central to the Christian faith.

Big Idea: Seeing the risen Christ transforms our sorrow into joy and compels us to share the good news of His resurrection with the world.

Recommended Study: Consider diving into the historical context of the resurrection narratives within your Logos library to understand their significance in Jewish culture. Look at the different accounts of the resurrection to compare historical accuracy and theological nuances. Additionally, exploring commentaries on John 20 can provide insights into the implications of Mary’s witness and how it sets the foundation for Christian proclamation.

1. Discovering the Empty Tomb

John 20:1-5

You could illustrate how the discovery of the empty tomb represents the first step in the journey from uncertainty to understanding. This passage invites us into Mary Magdalene's confusion and urgency, mirroring our own experiences when confronting the unknown. By focusing on Mary's initial reaction, believers can be encouraged to approach their struggles with hope and an open heart, trusting that God is leading them to greater truths.

2. Inspecting the Evidence

John 20:6-10

Perhaps emphasize the role of evidence and understanding in the journey of faith. As Peter and the other disciple inspect the tomb, scrutinizing the cloths, it highlights the importance of seeking truth and the willingness to investigate our doubts. This moment encourages believers to delve deeply into their faith, trusting that honest inquiry will lead to deeper conviction and clarity.

3. Weeping at the Threshold

John 20:11-14

Maybe portray how moments of despair can turn into encounters with the divine. When Mary weeps outside the tomb, she does not yet recognize the presence of Jesus. This passage provides hope that even in our tears, Christ is near, ready to reveal Himself to us. It encourages the faithful to maintain an open heart and mind in times of sorrow, trusting that God’s presence can turn their mourning into joy.

4. Recognizing and Proclaiming Christ

John 20:15-18

You could emphasize the transformative encounter with the risen Christ and the call to action that follows. When Jesus reveals Himself to Mary, her sorrow turns to joy, and He commissions her to spread the news of His resurrection. This highlights the transformative power of meeting Jesus, urging believers to carry their experience of Christ into the world, sharing the hope and joy of His living presence.

If you're feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of parenting or maintaining a household, remember that Jesus lives within you and offers you strength. Take a moment each day to pray specifically for wisdom and patience with your family. Choose a verse about hope or resilience to meditate on, such as Philippians 4:13, and display it in a prominent place in your home.

This practice not only centers your heart on Christ but refreshes your spirit through His presence, reminding you that you are not alone in your daily struggles.

What is the significance of the cloths left in the tomb in relation to the resurrection of Jesus?