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2 doubtlessliving.com The first time you saw a QR code, you might have been intrigued, confused, or even threatened. But now, were used to seeing them and we recognize that they point to something else. How would you explain the difference between seeing something and recognizing something? Can you think of other examples of the difference between seeing and recognizing, other than QR codes? What difference does your perspective make in the way you see something? What does it take to find meaning in what was meaningless?

3 doubtlessliving.com The celebration of Easter has, for many people, become much more of a secular celebration of candy, bunnies, and fancy dresses than a holy observance and remembrance of what Jesus has done for us. The way we view Easter is truly a matter of perspectiveare we seeing it as one thing or are we recognizing the true significance of the day.

4 doubtlessliving.com 1 On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we dont know where they have put Him! 3 At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. Sunday morning was the first opportunity Mary had to return to the tomb and devote more time to preparing Jesus body for burial. What do you think Mary Magdalene was feeling on the way to the tomb? What about after she saw that it was empty? What about Peter and John? How do you think they were feeling before Mary ran up to them? What about afterwards? Sunday morning was the first opportunity Mary had to return to the tomb and devote more time to preparing Jesus body for burial. What do you think Mary Magdalene was feeling on the way to the tomb? What about after she saw that it was empty? What about Peter and John? How do you think they were feeling before Mary ran up to them? What about afterwards?

5 doubtlessliving.com Imagine the surprise, anxiety, confusion, and concern that Mary and the others felt when they arrived at the empty tomb. What were they expecting to see? Other than Lazarus, not a lot of people walked out of graves. They were not expecting to see Jesus, even though Jesus had been clearly stated that He would rise from the dead. They just were not prepared for or thinking about a bodily resurrection. Just as any of us would, they needed some convincing. There was physical evidence to be seen but it came down to seeing or recognizing what was true.

6 doubtlessliving.com 5 Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in. 6 Then, following him, Simon Peter came also. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. 7 The wrapping that had been on His head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself. 8 The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then entered the tomb, saw, and believed. 9 For they still did not understand the Scripture that He must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went home again. Had you been with Peter and John, what do you think your reaction might have been to the empty tomb? What evidence was there that something incredible had happened? What is the importance of the last two words of verse 8? Had you been with Peter and John, what do you think your reaction might have been to the empty tomb? What evidence was there that something incredible had happened? What is the importance of the last two words of verse 8?

7 doubtlessliving.com It is amazing that people can be convinced of haunted houses, Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, or that aliens have visited earth, despite little reliable evidence for those beliefs. Yet, when it comes to the resurrection of Jesus, which has so much evidence, it is hard to convince them. Why is that so? A Gallup poll found that: 37% - Houses can be haunted 29% - Bigfoot is real 25% - Aliens have visited earth A Gallup poll found that: 37% - Houses can be haunted 29% - Bigfoot is real 25% - Aliens have visited earth Satan goes to incredible lengths trying to convince human beings that the resurrection is a myth, because without a resurrection, there can be no hope for salvation (1 Cor. 15:12-18).

8 doubtlessliving.com 11 But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 She saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus body had been lying. 13 They said to her, Woman, why are you crying? Because theyve taken away my Lord, she told them, and I dont know where theyve put Him. 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus. 15 Woman, Jesus said to her, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for? Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, Sir, if youve removed Him, tell me where youve put Him, and I will take Him away. 16 Jesus said, Mary. Turning around, she said to Him in Hebrew, Rabbouni!which means Teacher. 17 Dont cling to Me, Jesus told her, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Fatherto My God and your God. 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, I have seen the Lord! And she told them what He had said to her. John 20:11-18 (HCSB)

9 doubtlessliving.com Why didnt Mary recognize Jesus at first? When did Mary recognize Jesus? Why did Jesus tell Mary not to cling to Him? What does it mean to refer to Jesus as Lord? How can you tell if Jesus is your Lord? Easter Sunday, is a fantastic day to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have a personal relationship with the risen Lord please carefully consider the teaching in the Scripture for this session.

10 doubtlessliving.com Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried in a sealed tomb. If that was the end of the story, it would not be much different than the death and burial of so many other men. However, the good news that we celebrate on this day is that Jesus is risenand that changes everything. Because of His resurrection, we are able to recognize our own sinfulness, our need for a Savior, and the opportunity to be forgiven of our sin and brought into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When we recognize Jesus as Savior and Lord, it does indeed change everything.

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