From Sorrow to Resurrection Joy John 20:1-23

John 20 1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

Mary Magdalene “. . . women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out” (Luke 8:2) “. . . but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene” (John 19:25) 

John 20 1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

John 20 2 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.”

John 20 2 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.”

John 20 Peter and “the other disciple” race to the tomb They see the vacant tomb and the cloth that had covered his face folded neatly away from the rest of the grave clothes “Then the other disciple, who had 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.”

John 20 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. John 16 20 “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful . . . 33 In the world you will have tribulation.”

John 20 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. Heaven and earth intersect: The stone is rolled away . . . The grave clothes are neatly folded . . . Two angels in white appear . . .

John 20 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

John 20 13 She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.”

John 20 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.

John 20 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.

John 20 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”

John 20 15 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.” 

John 20 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).

John 20 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for 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.’”

John 20 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” — and that he had said these things to her.   The true beginning of all Christian mission is personal, transformative encounter with the resurrected Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ questions for us on this Easter Sunday morning: Why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? Jesus’ promise: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Easter Response: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

creator of heaven and earth. The Apostles’ Creed Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty? We believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord? We believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary.

He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit? We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL VOWS Do you renounce all evil and powers in the world that defy God’s righteousness and love? I renounce them! Do you renounce the ways of sin that separate you from the love of God?

Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior? Yes! I trust in him as my Lord and Savior. Do you intend to be Christ’s faithful disciple, trusting his promises, obeying his Word, honoring his church, and showing his love as long as you live? Yes! God helping me.