Whom are You Seeking?

On the first day of the week the empty tomb rewrites history: the resurrection inaugurates a new beginning for humanity and signals a decisive divine act that changes the calendar of God’s saving work. Mary Magdalene, an unlikely but devoted follower rescued from seven demons, becomes the primary eyewitness whose grief turns to recognition when Jesus calls her by name. The scene emphasizes bodily resurrection—linen wrappings left neatly folded—and rebukes theft theories while testifying to a physical, not merely spiritual, rising. The narrative highlights how early faith developed in stages: sight and puzzlement precede fuller understanding of Scripture and the necessity of Christ’s rising.

The encounter at the tomb exposes common misconceptions about Jesus. Many seek a private helper, a problem-solver, or a domesticated Savior; the text insists on a Lord who demands allegiance and who will return to the Father in glory. The risen Christ meets individuals personally, patiently pausing amid cosmic work to speak a name and transform confusion into clarity. Mary’s commissioning as the first evangelist models the simple missionary task: go and say what has been seen. Resurrection, ascension, and the gift of relationship—Christ as brother and believers as God’s children—redefine identity and mission for those called into the household of God.

Ascension completes the saving drama by enthroning Christ at the Father’s right hand, where he receives greater glory, rules as king, intercedes as priest, and continues to reveal truth through the Spirit as prophet. That exaltation does not distance but secures access: believers gain a Father in heaven and a brother in Christ. The call remains urgent and universal—hears and believes—and the promise stands that those who trust pass from death into life. The text issues a twofold summons: abandon lesser constructions of Jesus and respond to the living Lord who meets sinners, commissions witnesses, and reigns until every enemy is subdued.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Resurrection inaugurates a new era Jesus’ rising marks the first day of the rest of human history, not merely a miraculous event. It reorders time and identity by making the tomb’s victory the foundation for a new calendar of redemption. The empty grave both vindicates God’s promises and reframes belief as entrance into that renewed life. [61:41]
• 2. Faith unfolds step by step Initial encounters with the risen Lord produce conviction without full comprehension; belief deepens through repeated revelation and Scripture. Eyewitnesses ran, looked, and then slowly pieced together the divine necessity of the third-day rising. Spiritual maturity emerges as understanding catches up with experience. [71:46]
• 3. Jesus meets individuals personally The risen Lord pauses in the chaos of cosmic events to call Mary by name, turning tears into recognition and mission. That intimate voice reveals pastoral patience: divine glory does not cancel personal care but expresses it. Personal address produces obedience and witness. [76:39]
• 4. Ascension secures Christ’s rule Resurrection leads to enthronement: ascension places Christ at the Father’s right hand where he reigns, intercedes, and pours out the Spirit. That exaltation expands access rather than restricts it, making believers children of God and brothers of Christ. The ascended Lord governs the church and history until final restoration. [82:58]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [53:57] - Scripture and Opening Prayer
• [56:09] - Whom Are You Seeking?
• [58:49] - Turning to the Resurrection
• [60:45] - The First Day Explained
• [66:08] - Empty Tomb Details
• [73:26] - Mary’s First Encounter
• [79:37] - Commissioned as Messenger
• [82:58] - Ascension and Christ’s Glory
• [89:51] - Final Call: Seek the True Christ

1. What details in the first few verses of John 20 indicate that the disciples did not initially understand what had happened to Jesus' body?
2. What was Mary Magdalene's immediate assumption when she saw the empty tomb, and what does her conversation with the "gardener" reveal about what she was seeking? [13:26]
3. What specific detail about the grave clothes (linen cloths and face cloth) is mentioned, and what does this detail tell us about what happened? [07:45]
4. What two titles does Jesus use for God the Father when he gives Mary her message to deliver to the disciples? [20:16]

1. The sermon mentioned that the resurrection "inaugurates a new era" and is the "first day of the rest of human history." How does the resurrection of Jesus change the way we view our own history, our present, and our future?
2. Why is it significant that Jesus, amidst the cosmic event of his resurrection, paused to personally call Mary by name? What does this reveal about his character and priorities? [16:39]
3. The sermon stated that Jesus' ascension "secures Christ’s rule" and "expands access rather than restricts it." How does Jesus being at the right hand of the Father as our priest and king actually bring us closer to God? [24:18]
4. Jesus tells Mary not to cling to him because he had "not yet ascended to the Father." How does his ascension complete the work of our salvation and secure our new identity as children of God? [27:09]

1. Faith is described as something that "unfolds step by step" and grows over time. [11:46] What is one area of your understanding of God that has grown since you first believed? What is one area you are still wrestling with or seeking to understand more fully?
2. Jesus meets individuals personally and calls them by name. [16:39] When have you most clearly sensed Jesus speaking to you personally in a time of confusion or grief? How did that recognition change your perspective or your next steps?
3. Mary was given a simple mission: "go and say." [28:35] Her testimony was simply, "I have seen the Lord." Who is one person in your life you could "go and say" this to this week, simply sharing what Jesus has done for you?
4. The sermon warned against seeking a "little help Jesus" or a "problem-solver Jesus" instead of the true Lord who demands total allegiance. [56:09] In what practical ways do you sometimes try to fit Jesus into your life, rather than building your life entirely around him?
5. Because of Jesus' ascension, we have a "Father in heaven" and Jesus is our "brother." [26:41] How does this truth about your identity as part of God's family impact how you approach God in prayer, especially when you feel distant or unworthy?
6. The promise is that whoever hears Jesus' word and believes "has passed from death to life." [32:21] If eternal life is a present reality for those who believe, how should that truth change the way we face fear, failure, and even physical death?