John 20:11-16 | Sermon Resources | 20 April 2025
Sermon Summary
On that first Easter morning, when everyone left and went back to their homes, Mary Magdalene stayed. She lingered. She waited. She wept. Outside the empty grave of Jesus, she was met by two angels – dressed “in white.” Mary refused to be comforted even by these heavenly messengers. Her heart was already set. She wanted Jesus. When Jesus did appear, she did not recognize him at first. And then he called her by name – Mary. And everything changed. Pastor Billy preaches on this powerful scene exploring what it means for our pursuit of Jesus today.
Discussion Questions
- What most struck you from the sermon this week?
- What do we learn about Mary in the passage? What was she feeling? What do you think she was experiencing? What set her apart from the disciples who were also at the empty tomb?
- Mary does not respond the way others in the Bible have responded when meeting at angel. What may have been the reasons for this?
- Why do you think Mary did not recognize Jesus at first?
- Why do you think people sometimes come very close to believing the gospel but settle for something else?
- Have you ever been in “proximity” to God but missed his actual “presence”?
- How is God’s grace displayed in this passage?
- What is the significance of Jesus calling Mary by name? In what way does he do the same for us?
- What most encouraged or challenged you in the time studying the passage together?
