How Did Mary Beat Everyone to the Punch? From Grief to Greatness: Mary Finds Hope Where No One Expected!
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Welcome to Our Church Family!
Dear friends, welcome to our service today! It’s a beautiful day to gather together in worship and praise, embracing the warmth of our community and the love of our Savior. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have been with us for years, we are so glad you are here.
Announcements
- Upcoming Events:
- Community BBQ: Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 29th, for a fun-filled day of food and fellowship!
- Bible Study Groups: Our weekly Bible study groups resume on Wednesday, April 19th, focusing on the teachings of Jesus. Everyone is welcome!
Stay tuned for these wonderful opportunities to connect and grow together in faith!
Section 2. Call to Worship
A Call to Worship
As we begin our time of worship, let us reflect on the amazing truth of the resurrection that we find in the scriptures. Today, we remember how Mary discovered the empty tomb and encountered the risen Christ. Let us open our hearts and minds to God’s presence among us.
Responsive Reading
Leader: “On the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary went to the tomb.”
Congregation: “And she found the stone rolled away! He is risen!”
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Opening Prayer
Gracious and loving God, we come before you today with hearts full of gratitude and praise. Thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, and for the incredible news of His resurrection. As we gather in your name, let us feel Your presence among us. Help us to worship You with joy and sincerity, and may our hearts be open to receive Your Word. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Praise and Worship
We invite you now to join us in a time of congregational singing! Our worship team has prepared a beautiful selection of songs that uplift our spirits and honor God. Let’s worship together with both contemporary hymns and classic favorites, focusing on adoration and lifting our hearts toward the One who loves us unconditionally.
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading: John 20:1-23
Today, we reflect on a powerful moment in scripture that captures the heart of our faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Events in the Scripture
This passage recounts how Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb and encountered the risen Lord. In her sorrow, she finds hope as Jesus calls her by name. This joyful moment reminds us that even in our darkest times, God steps in to bring light and renewal.
NIV Bible Verses
John 20:1-23
1 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.
2 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!”
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.
4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in.
6 Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there,
7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.
8 Finally, the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.
9 (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. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb
12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“Because 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.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
17 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!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come to You with hearts full of hope, just as Mary Magdalene experienced when she encountered the risen Christ. We lift up those in our community who are feeling lost or in despair. May they find the light and love of Your presence in their lives. Help us to be instruments of Your peace and love, extending grace to everyone around us. We ask that You guide us in forgiveness and healing. In Your Son’s name, we pray. Amen.
Congregational Prayer Response
Congregation: Lord, hear our prayer. Help us to embrace the joy of forgiveness and the message of the resurrection, just as You did with Your disciples.
Section 7. Offering
The Importance of Tithes and Offerings
As we prepare to give our tithes and offerings, let us remember that this act is more than just a financial transaction; it is an expression of our worship and gratitude towards God. When we give generously, we partner with Him in spreading love and hope in our community and beyond.
Prayer of Thanks
Heavenly Father, thank You for all the blessings we receive from Your hand. As we give our tithes and offerings today, may we do so with joyful hearts, recognizing all that You have done for us. Use our gifts to further Your Kingdom and bring hope to those in need. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music or Presentation
Introduction to Special Music
We’re blessed to have a special music presentation today that will inspire and uplift us. This is a powerful opportunity to meditate on the resurrection and all that it means for our lives. Let this music fill our hearts with encouragement and reflection.
A Special Invitation
This “Resurrection Sunday,” we invite you to share this message completely free with your church family and friends. Our prayer is that it inspires you and compels you to reflect on the joy of the resurrection. As you consider the impact this message can have, we encourage you to explore our collection of pre-written Short Powerful Sermons. They are designed to equip and empower you in sharing God’s Word with others.
Sermon Title: “From Grief to Glory: The Journey of Faith”
Expository Sermon Outline
1. The Discovery of the Empty Tomb (John 20:1-2)
Mary’s profound moment of discovery changes everything.
Explanation:
In the early morning hours on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb, only to find that the stone has been rolled away. Her immediate reaction is to run to the disciples to inform them of the startling news: “They have taken the Lord.” This sets the stage for an extraordinary revelation.
2. The Resurrection is Confirmed (John 20:3-10)
The disciples’ investigation leads to the truth.
Explanation:
Peter and John rush to the tomb after hearing Mary’s report. They find the linens lying meticulously in place, affirming that Jesus has risen. This moment is pivotal, as it marks the moment of disbelief turning into belief for the disciples.
3. The Encounter with the Risen Christ (John 20:11-18)
Mary’s personal encounter transforms sorrow into joy.
Explanation:
Mary remains at the tomb, grieving. When she sees Jesus and recognizes Him, her life is forever changed. “Rabboni!” she exclaims. This intimate moment underscores the personal nature of faith and relationship with Jesus.
4. The Great Commission (John 20:19-23)
Jesus empowers His followers for the mission ahead.
Explanation:
Jesus appears to His disciples, offering peace and sending them forth with a mission. The breath of the Holy Spirit provides them with power to forgive and continue His work. This moment emphasizes the calling of every believer to spread the good news.
Sermon Section
1. The Discovery of the Empty Tomb (John 20:1-2)
In Mary’s faithfulness, we see the persistence of hearts that seek the Lord. Mary’s journey to the tomb on that early dawn illustrates our desire to meet with Jesus, even in our grief.
Personal Thoughts:
Mary’s commitment stands out to me. In moments of despair, do we still pursue God? Her arrival at the tomb, despite her sorrow, reminds us that seeking Jesus is always worthwhile.
Personal Commentary:
This moment nudges me to reflect on how we often let fear cloud our ability to see God’s work in our own lives. Just as Mary was met with surprise, we too may find unexpected blessings in our pursuit.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship:
Discipleship means showing up—even when it’s hard. Mary shows us that faithful discipleship aligns with seeking God, especially in times of sadness.
Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth:
Spiritual growth often begins with challenging times like grief. How we handle those moments can either deepen our faith or cause us to distance ourselves from God.
Ask Yourself This Question:
In what areas of my life am I seeking Jesus with a heart like Mary’s?
2. The Resurrection is Confirmed (John 20:3-10)
When Peter and John take off for the tomb, their physical action reflects our spiritual journey. They begin to transition from doubt to belief.
Personal Thoughts:
The rush to the tomb signifies the urgency we should feel in seeking answers and truth. I think about how often we hesitate to embrace the miraculous that awaits us.
Personal Commentary:
Seeing the disciples investigate the tomb is a reminder that faith often requires exploration and searching. We are called to examine the evidence of Christ’s impact in our lives.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship:
Discipleship involves acting. Peter and John run to the tomb, showing us that faith is not passive. We need to take steps toward experiencing the truth ourselves.
Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth:
Growth in our faith frequently hinges on facing doubts. It’s in these spaces of uncertainty that we can encounter the reality of God’s truth more profoundly.
Ask Yourself This Question:
What steps am I willing to take to explore deeper truths about my faith?
3. The Encounter with the Risen Christ (John 20:11-18)
In the moment Jesus reveals Himself to Mary, we see the heart of discipleship: relationship.
Personal Thoughts:
Mary’s joy when she recognizes Jesus is perhaps the most beautiful response to finding the Savior. It makes me consider how often we miss Christ in our daily lives.
Personal Commentary:
This call to intimacy reminds me of my personal encounters with God, where His presence can dissolve all fears and disappointments. He knows us by name, just as He knew Mary.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship:
Discipleship is rooted in knowing Christ personally. Mary’s recognition of Jesus isn’t just an encounter; it’s the essence of our faith. Authentic discipleship means recognizing Jesus in our lives and responding to His call.
Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth:
Spiritual growth often happens in the quiet moments when we intimately encounter God. Mary’s transformative experience encourages us to seek those moments and allow our relationship with Jesus to foster authentic growth.
Ask Yourself This Question:
How can I cultivate a more intimate relationship with Jesus in my daily life?
4. The Great Commission (John 20:19-23)
Having experienced the resurrection, the disciples receive their marching orders from Christ himself. Jesus sends them to share the good news and grants them authority through the Holy Spirit.
Personal Thoughts:
This powerful moment resonates with me as it reflects our own Great Commission. It’s a reminder that our faith is not meant to be kept to ourselves; it’s a message to be shared.
Personal Commentary:
The sending of the disciples is an affirmation of our call to be witnesses. It compels us to think about how we are actively sharing our faith with those around us.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship:
Discipleship includes an outward focus. Being followers of Christ means we are tasked with sharing His love and message with others. It’s an invitation to participate in God’s incredible work.
Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth:
This part of the passage highlights that as we grow spiritually, we are also called to serve and reach out to others. Our growth in faith naturally extends to sharing and ministering to those outside our faith community.
Ask Yourself This Question:
How am I living out the Great Commission in my daily life?
Section 10. Final Thoughts
As we reflect on John 20:1-23, we see a profound journey that takes us from grief to joy, doubt to faith, and isolation to purposeful mission. Each segment of this passage speaks to various aspects of our spiritual lives, reminding us that we, too, can encounter Jesus in personal and transformative ways. Moving forward in our Christian lives, let us be intentional in seeking Him, responding to His call, and engaging in the Great Commission.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus, and the joy of the resurrection. Help us to embrace the call to discipleship, seek intimacy with You, and share Your love with others. May we find hope in Your promises and be empowered to live out our faith boldly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 11. Closing Hymn or Worship Song
Final Song Introduction
As we conclude our time together, let’s stand and unite our voices in a closing hymn. This final song is an opportunity to lift our hearts in joy and gratitude, as we celebrate the incredible love and sacrifice of our risen Savior. Let us worship together!!
Section 12. Benediction
Closing Blessing
As we part ways today, may the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He turn His face toward you and give you peace. Remember, you are sent out as His witnesses, carrying forth the hope of the resurrection into a world in need.
Introduction to Bible Study:
Unlock the Forgotten Power: Unravel the Impact of the Resurrection Drama
Are you ready to embark on a journey that deepens your faith and invigorates your spirit? Tap into a transformative experience that echoes the life-altering moments of Easter morning.
The Story – A Heartfelt Awakening
In the quiet stillness of dawn, Mary Magdalene discovered an empty tomb and a message of hope that would forever alter the course of humanity. Imagine you and your congregation standing at the cusp of this revelation, seeing not just the absence of the body, but the overwhelming presence of grace. Picture hearts opening and souls igniting as the familiar story of resurrection begins to unfold with new significance, inspired by the timeless words of John 20:1-23.
This is more than a sermon—it’s an invitation to transform lives. As the message of redemption and renewal resonates, a deep connection is forged, drawing each listener closer to the divine, fostering an unshakeable faith amidst life’s uncertainties.
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Prayer of Grace
May Jesus shower his grace upon you and your family, filling this special time with blessings and love.
