Controlling Themes:
- There are signs that help us believe in Jesus, but saving faith comes from hearing the word of God and believing it.
- Easter Sunday reminds us that our weeping and despair must be transformed into hope and rejoicing.
- We live in an age where Christians are called to action for Jesus not clinging to Jesus.
Read John 20:1-18
Concerning Signs and True Faith
Mary’s immediate conclusion when she discovered the empty tomb was that Jesus’ body had been stolen and taken away.
What signs did Peter and John discover that pointed to another conclusion?
- The linen cloths lying there (Jn 20:5-6)
- contrast with Lazarus (Jn 11:44)
The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
John 11:44
- The face cloth folded up separately (Jn 20:7)
Note: this physical evidence caused John to believe. But what did he believe? Certainly that Jesus’ body was not stolen. Grave robbers or people wanting to take his body away would not have removed the garments or carefully folded the face covering.
Why would I suggest that believing the signs were only a start toward saving faith?
- John’s own words in Jn 20:9 – signs help to point our minds in the right direction and begin the birthing of belief but true faith involves hearing the Word of God, accepting what it offers, and surrendering to its demands.
Note: this accords with the rest of John’s gospel:
but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:31 31
So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.”
John 4:48 48
For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”
John 5:46-47
Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform?
John 6:29-30
I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.
John 13:19
This is how Paul understood the nature and origin of faith.
And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Rom 10:15-17
Concerning the Easter Transformation
What cause did Mary have for weeping?
- She lost someone she loved
- She lost the hope he had given her.
- She lost the confidence that she was safe from the demons that previously possessed her (Lk 8:2)
So, why should she stop weeping?
- Jesus wasn’t lost – he was alive and would be forever with her.
- Everything Jesus promised was still real and possible.
- In his passion, Jesus had finally overcame sin, death, and the devil, they could no longer threaten her.
Note: the very personal nature of our relationship with Jesus.
- He loves us – “So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved (Jn 20:2)
- John had a special relationship w/Jesus.
One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?”
John 13:23-25
- But every believer can claim the title – “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Rev 1:5-6
- He knows us and calls us by name.
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”
John 20:16
- His voice is recognizable to us.
To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
John 10:2-4
Concerning Action vs. Clinging
We can imagine how Mary reached out and wrapped her arms around Jesus and held him tightly. but he instructs her to act differently. That instruction informs us today.
- Jesus still has work to do.
- He has a place to prepare for us.
- He has a spirit to send to us.
- He has more sheep to call to himself
- He has intercession to perform
- And we have work to do.
- We must run to his brothers and sisters and tell them that he is alive.
- We are to announce to others that “we have seen the Lord.”
- We are not to hide away in our upper rooms feeling sorry for ourselves or keeping Jesus to ourselves. We are to go out into the world and tell the world about Him.
Note: this is the very commission Jesus left to us before he ascended to his work at the Father’s side.
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,
Matthew 28:19 19
