Resurrection: A Call to Hope and Action

Devotional

Day 1: The Faithful Witness of Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene’s steadfast presence at the tomb, even in her grief and uncertainty, reveals the power of faithful devotion in the face of despair. While the male disciples returned home after seeing the empty tomb, Mary remained, weeping and searching, embodying a hope that persisted even when all seemed lost. Her willingness to linger in the darkness, to seek Jesus despite her sorrow, positioned her to be the first to encounter the risen Christ and to receive the commission to share the good news. Her story reminds us that God often entrusts the most profound revelations to those who remain faithful, even when hope seems distant. [27:55]

John 20:1-18 (ESV)
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. 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.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 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. Then the disciples went back to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one 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.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” 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 Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 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.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

Reflection: When have you chosen to remain present in a difficult or uncertain situation, and how might God be inviting you to faithful hope in the midst of your own grief or confusion today?

Day 2: God Lifts Up the Lowly and Marginalized

Throughout the resurrection story, God chooses to reveal the good news first to those whom society often overlooks—the women, the small ones, those on the margins. Mary Magdalene, a woman of means but little status in her culture, is entrusted with the message that changes the world. This act is a powerful reminder that God’s kingdom upends human hierarchies, lifting up the lowly and entrusting them with holy purpose. The story echoes the song of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who proclaimed that God “has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.” In God’s eyes, no one is too small or insignificant to be a bearer of hope and transformation. [31:06]

Luke 1:46-55 (ESV)
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Reflection: Who in your life or community might be overlooked or undervalued, and how can you honor and lift up their voices and gifts this week?

Day 3: Resurrection Calls Us to New Life and Action

The resurrection is not only a moment of personal encounter but a call to transformation and action. Jesus’ words to Mary—“Go to my brothers and say to them…”—are a commission to leave the garden and bring hope to a suffering world. The Easter story is both protest and praise, a summons to resist injustice, heal the hurting, and embody God’s dream of beloved community. Resurrection is God’s “yes” to life, justice, and mercy, and it calls each of us to participate in the ongoing work of renewal and restoration in our communities and beyond. [40:12]

Matthew 28:5-10 (ESV)
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Reflection: What is one concrete way you can bring hope, healing, or justice to someone in your community this week as a response to the resurrection?

Day 4: Resurrection Overcomes All That Separates Us from God

The resurrection of Jesus is God’s ultimate victory over every force that deals in death, despair, and separation. Sin, described as anything that keeps us from full communion with God, is conquered by the risen Christ, who invites us to rise above our failures, fears, and brokenness. No matter what has held us back—be it regret, shame, or doubt—God’s love and grace are stronger, offering us the chance to begin again and to walk in newness of life. The empty tomb is a promise that nothing can ultimately separate us from God’s love. [47:30]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection: Is there something in your life that feels like it is separating you from God? What step can you take today to open your heart to God’s grace and new beginnings?

Day 5: Saying Yes to God’s Possibilities and Joy

Easter is the celebration of God’s “great yes”—the affirmation of life, hope, and love even in the face of despair and uncertainty. The resurrection opens up the story, inviting us to embrace the “possibility of possibility,” to trust that God is always at work bringing new life out of what seems dead or closed. Each day, we are invited to say yes to God’s gifts of joy, gratitude, and hope, and to look for the surprising ways God might be opening new paths before us as individuals and as a community. [49:55]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Reflection: Where in your life or in our church do you sense God inviting you to say “yes” to new possibilities, and how can you respond with hope and openness today?

Sermon Summary

On this Resurrection Sunday, we gather in the spirit of hope, truth, and new beginnings. The story of the empty tomb is not just a tale of ancient history, but a living invitation to experience the power of love and life overcoming every force of death and despair. In the darkness of early morning, when hope seemed lost, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb, faithful and grieving, only to discover that Jesus had risen. Her encounter with the risen Christ is a reminder that God often entrusts the most profound truths to those on the margins—those who are overlooked or underestimated by society.

Mary Magdalene’s role is especially significant. Despite centuries of misrepresentation and marginalization, she was the first to witness the resurrection and was commissioned by Jesus to proclaim the good news. This challenges us to recognize and honor the voices that have been silenced or dismissed, especially women, and to see how God’s liberating work often begins with those considered “small” by the world. The resurrection is not just a personal comfort but a call to action—a summons to return to a suffering world with the message of hope, to resist injustice, to heal, to feed, and to love.

The resurrection is God’s great “yes” to creation, a declaration that the story is not closed, that new possibilities are always opening before us. It is both a personal and communal experience, inviting us to start anew, to dare to hope, and to participate in God’s dream of a world where justice, peace, and mercy reign. Sin, in its many forms, is anything that separates us from God, but the resurrection assures us that nothing can ultimately keep us from God’s love. We are called to live as people of the resurrection, letting our lives reflect the passion and compassion of Christ, and to say “yes” to God’s gift of hope, joy, and love, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.

Key Takeaways

1. God Entrusts Profound Truths to the Marginalized Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ highlights how God often chooses those on the margins—those without status or power—to bear witness to the most important truths. Her faithfulness, even in grief and uncertainty, becomes the foundation for the proclamation of resurrection hope. This challenges us to listen for God’s voice among those whom society overlooks and to honor the gifts and leadership of all people, especially those historically silenced. [24:32]
2. Resurrection Calls Us to Action, Not Just Comfort The resurrection is not merely a source of personal consolation; it is a call to return to the world with renewed purpose. Like Mary, we are sent to bring hope, healing, and justice to a suffering world. The story urges us not to linger in private devotion but to engage in acts of protest, compassion, and service, embodying the transformative power of resurrection in our communities. [40:12]
3. The Power of Hope in the Face of Despair Mary’s journey to the tomb, despite her crushed hopes, models a faith that persists even when the future seems bleak. The resurrection is God’s affirmation that despair does not have the final word. We are invited to dare to hope, to trust that God can bring new life out of our deepest losses, and to open ourselves to the “possibility of possibility” that resurrection brings. [49:55]
4. Resurrection as Liberation from Sin and Separation Sin is anything that separates us from God—fear, selfishness, or anything that keeps us from living fully in God’s love. The resurrection demonstrates that these barriers can be overcome, and that we are invited into deeper communion with God and one another. This liberation is not just for individuals but for communities, calling us to participate in God’s work of repair and reconciliation. [46:09]
5. The Inclusive and Expansive Love of God God’s love is broader and more inclusive than we often imagine, embracing people of every background, tradition, and practice. The open table of communion and the diversity of those who follow Jesus remind us that God’s grace is for all. We are called to reflect this inclusiveness in our own lives, welcoming and affirming the breadth of God’s beloved community. [60:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:24] - Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
[07:54] - Announcements & Community Life
[08:55] - Upcoming Events & Concerts
[12:46] - Children’s Video: Peter’s Story
[15:30] - Gospel Reading: John 20:1-18
[19:40] - The Role of Women in the Resurrection
[24:32] - Mary Magdalene: Witness and Apostle
[26:25] - The Marginalization of Women in the Church
[27:55] - The Faithfulness of the Women at the Tomb
[31:06] - The Disciples’ Response to the Empty Tomb
[35:10] - Recognizing the Risen Christ
[40:12] - Resurrection as a Call to Action
[46:09] - The Meaning of Sin and Resurrection
[49:55] - Embracing Hope and New Possibilities
[56:49] - The Inclusive Love of God
[62:48] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[72:26] - Offering and Dedication
[76:02] - Benediction: Rise Up in Protest and Praise

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 20:1-18 — (Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb, finds it empty, and encounters the risen Jesus.)

Observation Questions

According to John 20:1-18, who was the first person to discover the empty tomb, and what was her initial reaction?
What details in the passage show Mary Magdalene’s faithfulness, even in her grief and confusion?
In the sermon, what reasons were given for why Mary Magdalene, rather than Peter or another disciple, was chosen to witness the resurrection first? [[19:40]]
What instructions did Jesus give to Mary Magdalene after revealing himself to her?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon highlights that God often entrusts profound truths to those on the margins, like Mary Magdalene. What does this suggest about how God views people who are overlooked or underestimated by society? [[24:32]]
The resurrection is described as both a comfort and a call to action. How does the story challenge believers to move beyond private faith into public acts of hope and justice? [[40:12]]
The sermon defines sin as “anything that separates you from God.” How does the resurrection address and overcome these barriers, both personally and in community? [[46:09]]
The open table of communion and the diversity of Jesus’ followers are mentioned as signs of God’s inclusive love. How does this shape our understanding of who is welcome in God’s family? [[01:00:26]]

Application Questions

Mary Magdalene’s faithfulness was honored by God, even though she was overlooked by others. Can you think of a time when you or someone you know felt overlooked or underestimated? How might God be inviting you to listen for truth from those on the margins today? [[24:32]]
The sermon calls us not to linger in private devotion but to return to a suffering world with hope, healing, and justice. What is one specific way you can bring hope or healing to someone in your community this week? [[40:12]]
When have you experienced despair or loss, like Mary at the tomb? How did hope or new possibilities eventually break through for you? What helped you to “dare to hope” again? [[49:55]]
The resurrection is described as God’s “yes” to creation and a call to participate in God’s dream for justice, peace, and mercy. What is one area in your life or community where you feel called to say “yes” to God’s invitation for new beginnings? [[49:55]]
The sermon says sin is anything that separates us from God—fear, selfishness, or anything else. Is there something in your life right now that is keeping you from living fully in God’s love? What step could you take this week to move toward deeper communion with God? [[46:09]]
God’s love is described as inclusive and expansive, welcoming people from every background. Is there someone in your life or church whom you find it hard to welcome or include? What would it look like to reflect God’s inclusive love toward them? [[01:00:26]]
The sermon ends with a call to “rise up in protest and praise.” What does it mean for you to rise up in your own context? Is there a cause or injustice you feel called to resist or address as part of living out the resurrection? [[01:16:02]]

Sermon Clips

They were faithful in the face of many, many obstacles. I wonder what she thought she was going to find though, Mary Magdalene, because she thought he was dead. I mean, you hear in the story even from John, where is he, where is he laid, I'll go get his body. She probably hasn't the worst this first day of the week because her hopes had been high, they all thought they had a messiah, and now her hopes are crushed and she comes to the grave alone. [00:28:25] (34 seconds) Edit Clip

It's a good moment to consider the fact that in all four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Jesus entrusted that marvelous news and responsibility to a woman, Mary Magdalene. It's remarkable, it's ironic given the really low status of women in communities of faith then and ever since. [00:33:54] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

John doesn't worry about the details, the technical details of how Jesus was raised. Instead, he emphasizes the profound change in the relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene and all of the disciples of Jesus right down to us today. [00:39:13] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

From now on, the disciples of Jesus are even more than they were before. Jesus' hour of glorification and resurrection that enables the disciples to be children of God and brothers and sisters of Jesus. Jesus, not persons who are under parental care and discipline and dependence, but full believers who belong to the household of God. [00:39:31] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

But go back to the world that is suffering. Go back and follow my way. Go back and protest. Go back and resist those powers that be that are abusing people. Go back and heal people that need it. Go back and help and feed people. That's what we're called to do. [00:40:40] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

The joyful proclamation along with Mary Magdalene that Jesus lives is not just a claim about that time in the garden. It is a claim about Jesus today in our own life and lifetime. Like the earliest Christians, we follow the way, the way that Jesus went, the way that Jesus asked us to go, a way that leads to our transformation. [00:41:26] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

Mary Magdalene's garden encounter with the risen Christ is familiar to us in a lot of different forms when we experience resurrection and new life, when we encounter the risen Christ in our new lives. And when we make a determination that you know what? We can start over yet again. We can resurrect. We can do new things. [00:41:52] (23 seconds) Edit Clip

Physical resurrection, physical resurrection, it's clearly not a natural way of being but it is a symbol and it is a powerful reminder that Jesus brings hope and conquers sin and death. [00:46:09] (20 seconds) Edit Clip

So the resurrection shows us that that can be conquered. Jesus shows us that we can rise out of anything and still follow that way, even if we've made mistakes. [00:47:30] (17 seconds) Edit Clip

God says yes to creation, to the world, to grace, to loving the human beings that are here, to loving the animals, too. Sometimes I wonder, and sometimes I receive news so good it calls for a reappraisal of my worldview. For Mary Magdalene, and for the early church, Easter was that moment. Resurrection Day was that moment. [00:49:34] (32 seconds) Edit Clip

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