READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the climactic and ultimate sign in the Gospel of John, the seventh and final miracle that confirms Jesus’ divine identity and mission. The tomb is empty – Jesus did not remain in the grave. From this miraculous sign, two foundational truths emerge:
- The resurrection is a reality that transforms, and
- It invites us into a relationship with the Father.
When Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb early on Easter morning, she became the first witness to the resurrection. Scripture consistently affirms that women, including Mary, were the first to encounter the risen Lord – a remarkable detail, especially in a time when women’s testimonies were often dismissed. This only adds to the credibility of the resurrection account. If the story were fabricated, women would not have been chosen as the primary witnesses.
As Charles Spurgeon said, “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most credible facts, with many witnesses to behold it.” Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 15:6, noting that Christ appeared to more than 500 people – most of whom were still alive when he wrote the letter just 20 years after Jesus’ death. These witnesses didn’t just believe, they were willing to die for what they had seen. Why? Because they had truly encountered the risen Christ. That same resurrection power is available to us today. Easter is not merely a tradition or celebration, it is a divine invitation to be transformed by the reality of the risen Lord. This transformation takes shape in three powerful ways:
- A Reality That Transforms
A) Transforming Presence
In John 2, when Jesus drove the merchants out of the temple, He was questioned about His authority. His response: “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” He was speaking not of a building, but of His own body – a prophetic reference to His resurrection (John 2:18–22). The temple had always been seen as the dwelling place of God. It took 46 years to build, yet Jesus, the Word made flesh, came to dwell (in Greek it is “tabernacle”) among us (John 1:14). The resurrection reveals that Jesus is the new and living temple – where heaven and earth meet.
In John 20:12, Mary sees two angels sitting at the head and foot of where Jesus’ body had been laid – resembling the mercy seat atop the Ark of the Covenant between two cherubim, symbolising God’s glory and presence. Jesus is now our ultimate high priest and mercy seat. Just as the high priest left his linen garments in the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:23), Jesus’ linen wrappings were left behind in the tomb (John 20:5–6), signifying that His work was finished. As Hebrews 4:14–16 declares, we can now approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, to receive mercy and help in our time of need. His resurrection invites us into a new, intimate relationship with God, no longer separated by sin.
B) Transforming Creation
It’s no coincidence that Jesus was buried in a garden tomb. Just as Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:8, 15), Christ was placed in a new garden (John 19:41). In Genesis, God was the first gardener, planting and cultivating Eden (Gen 2:8–9; 3:8). Now, the risen Christ appears to Mary, and she mistakes Him for a gardener (John 20:15) – a powerful image of restoration.
The resurrection reverses the effects of the fall in Genesis and redeems creation’s original purpose through new life in Christ. The past is gone, and in Him, we are given a new identity. As Edwyn C. Hoskyns wrote, “The original fall is here reversed, and once again the Garden of Eden is open.” If you’ve never experienced this garden of grace, come and encounter the new creation Christ offers.
C) Transforming Revelation
Mary arrived at the tomb while it was still dark (John 20:1), a detail rich in symbolism. Darkness and light are central themes in John’s Gospel. Her arrival echoes the first day of creation – when darkness covered the earth until God said, “Let there be light.” As John 1:4–5 proclaims, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Though Mary came in darkness, both physically and spiritually, Jesus revealed Himself to her. The light of the risen Christ breaks through every darkness, even death itself. Will you let the resurrection be a transforming reality in your life? This Easter, step into the light of Christ, discover your identity as a new creation, and receive the hope He has promised.
- A Relationship with the Father
Mary’s encounter with Jesus was deeply personal. She didn’t find Him; He found her. In her grief and confusion, Jesus simply called her by name: “Mary.” That is the heart of the gospel – a risen Lord who seeks us, meets us where we are, and speaks into our pain. Mary, once possessed by demons and rejected by society, became the first to hear her name spoken by the risen Saviour.
Jesus said, “Do not hold on to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father” (John 20:17). This was both literal and figurative. Mary had to let go of the physical Jesus to embrace a deeper spiritual reality. He wasn’t leaving her empty; He was preparing to send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). Through the Spirit, we are invited into the same closeness Jesus shares with the Father. Paul writes in Romans 8:15, “You did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” Patér is the Greek word for “Father”. Both Abba and Patér reflect intimacy of childlike trust and reverence for God the Father. As J. I. Packer said, “The richest answer I know to the question, ‘What is a Christian?’ is this: one who has God as Father.”
Through the resurrection, we are not only saved; we are adopted. Jesus tells Mary, “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.” This changes everything. God is no longer distant. He is our heavenly and spiritual Father, Abba and Patér (loving, close yet sovereign and mighty), who nourishes, protects, and provides with perfect love.
Conclusion: Who Are You Looking For?
Jesus’ first question to Mary is the same question He asks us today: “Who are you looking for?” Many are searching for purpose, love, identity and peace. When Mary heard her name, she recognised and responded, “Rabboni” (Teacher) in devotion. The resurrection is not just about belief but also discipleship. It’s about becoming a new creation and following Jesus daily. This Easter, if you feel far from God, come home. The resurrection proves God’s deep love for you and invites you into new life.
Jesus sent Mary to share the good news. We too are called to share the message; not just in words, but through love and compassion. Let others taste and see that the Lord is good. Life is worth the living because He lives. Go with resurrection hope and let Christ’s transform your life, and embrace your identity as a child of God. This is the power and promise of Easter.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
- Read John 20:1-18. What stands out to you about this passage?
- Recall Sermon
- What is the significance of the resurrection?
- What were the key discipleship lessons highlighted and which one resonates most with you?
- Relate Personally
- How does the reality of the resurrection transform you?
- How is your personal relationship with God the Father. How does the resurrection and ascension of Christ encourage you?
- Commit to Action
- In what ways is Jesus calling you to act in response to the message?
- What steps will you take this week to share the risen hope in Christ?
