The Living Christ: How the Resurrection Reveals God’s Heart

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heartbeat of our faith—a moment that shattered the grip of death and changed history forever. In John 20, we witness the risen Jesus meeting His followers in deeply personal ways, revealing the character of a God who loves intimately, empowers boldly, and restores graciously. Through three encounters—with Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and Thomas—we see not only the reality of the resurrection but also its power to transform our lives today. As we unpack these stories, we are invited to embrace the living Christ and reflect His heart in our world.

Mary Magdalene: Intimate Love Turns Sorrow to Joy
Picture Mary Magdalene standing outside Jesus’ tomb, her heart broken. She’s weeping, believing His body has been stolen (John 20:11). Mary, who had been delivered from seven demons (Luke 8:2), was transformed by Jesus’ love. She followed Him faithfully, stood at the cross, and now lingers in grief. Then, in a moment of divine tenderness, Jesus calls her name: “Mary” (v. 16). Her sorrow turns to joy as she cries, “Rabboni!”—Teacher, God. Jesus chose Mary, a devoted but broken woman, as the first to see Him risen, showing His intimate love for each of us.  

This encounter reminds us that Jesus knows our names and meets us in our pain. Whether you’re grieving a loss, facing uncertainty, or feeling alone, the risen Christ sees you. He fulfills His promise: “Your sorrow will turn to joy” (John 16:20). Mary’s story challenges us to trust that Jesus is near, ready to transform our deepest hurts into unshakable joy.

The Disciples: Bold Empowerment for a Mission
Next, Jesus appears to His disciples, who are hiding behind locked doors, paralyzed by the fear of persecution (John 20:19). Into their anxiety, Jesus speaks, “Peace be with you,” showing His wounded hands and side to prove He’s alive (v. 20). This peace isn’t just a greeting—it’s a declaration of reconciliation with God, won through His death and resurrection (Colossians 1:20). Then, Jesus commissions them: “As the Father has sent me, I also send you” (v. 21). He breathes on them, promising the Holy Spirit’s power (v. 22), equipping them to share the gospel.  

This moment is our call too. The risen Christ offers us peace to calm our fears and empowers us with His Spirit to carry His message. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus’ love? A coworker, a neighbor, a friend? The resurrection emboldens us to step out in faith, knowing that the Spirit equips us to reflect God’s heart through our words and actions.

Thomas: Gracious Restoration of Faith
Finally, we meet Thomas, who missed Jesus’ first appearance and refused to believe without proof (John 20:24–25). A week later, Jesus appears again, inviting Thomas to touch His scars: “Don’t be unbelieving, but believe” (v. 27). Thomas doesn’t need to touch; he exclaims, “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28). Jesus meets Thomas’ doubt with grace, not judgment, restoring his faith. He adds, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (v. 29), affirming that faith trusts beyond physical evidence (2 Corinthians 5:7).  
Thomas’ story is for anyone wrestling with questions or skepticism. Jesus invites us to bring our doubts to Him, meeting us with patience and love. His gracious restoration empowers us to move from uncertainty to a bold confession of faith, proclaiming Jesus as our Lord and God.

A Call to Believe and Live
John 20:31 sums up the purpose of these stories: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” The resurrection isn’t just a historical fact—it’s a personal invitation to know the living Christ. Whether you’re like Mary, needing comfort; the disciples, needing courage; or Thomas, needing assurance, Jesus meets you where you are. He transforms sorrow into joy, fear into purpose, and doubt into faith.  

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Paul Braden
SONG LEADER
Jim Grushon
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Randy Mullins
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Matthew Barnhart
Nathan Armstrong
Josh Childers
Chris Terrian
SCRIPTURE READING
Richard Jacobs
John 20:11-31
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Jeremy Price
CLOSING COMMENTS
Rich Walker
WELCOME CENTER
Richard Jacobs // Tina Jacobs
USHERS
Justin Spargo // Bob Hoopes
COMMUNION PREP
Sadonna Schofield
CLOSING THE BUILDING
James Passmore