Easter Sunday
Sermon Guide
Surprised By Hope: Life after Life after Death.
Today’s Scripture
'Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed 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.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who 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 returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other 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.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” 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 Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because 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 she told them that he had said these things to her.'
John 20:1-18
Summary
Pastor Leonce B. Crump Jr.'s Easter Sunday sermon "Surprised By Hope" explores the theme of Jesus' resurrection as a source of hope and assurance. The sermon delves into overcoming fear and questions about death, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' victory over death. The sermon illustrates the significance of the resurrection in human history through biblical references and anecdotes and its promise of new life for believers. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the belief in Jesus' resurrection, live in hope, and anticipate further exploration of challenging topics in the upcoming sermon series.
Application Questions
Why is Jesus' resurrection considered the most significant event in human history?
Context: The sermon mentions that the Apostle Paul describes the resurrection as the most important event in history.
Application Question: How does the resurrection impact your personal life and faith?
How can we overcome the fear of death through believing in Jesus' resurrection?
Context: The sermon explains that Jesus' victory over death assures believers that death is not the end and they do not need to fear it.
Application Question: How can you personally apply this assurance in your thoughts and actions?
What are the implications of Jesus' resurrection on believers' future bodies?
Context: The sermon refers to Paul's writings, mentioning that the resurrection promises new bodies, free from decay, for believers.
Application Question: How does this promise impact your view of your physical body and health?
How does Jesus' resurrection speak to the restoration of the broken world?
Context: The sermon states that Jesus' resurrection is the first fruit of the restoration of creation from corruption.
Application Question: What actions can you take to participate in the restoration of the world?
In John 20, when Jesus called Mary Magdalene by her name, why did her fear turn into joy?
Context: The sermon highlights the moment when Mary recognizes Jesus and her fear turns into joy, confirming the reality of Jesus' resurrection.
Application Question: How can you cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus so you can recognize His voice in your life?
Prayer Prompts
• Ask for prayer requests and take time to lift them up to God.
• Pray that God helps us to truly grasp the significance of Jesus' resurrection in our lives.
• Pray for the courage to live as if Jesus is alive and embrace His resurrection's transformative power.
• Pray for a deep sense of hope and assurance in the face of death, knowing that Jesus has conquered it.
