John 20:1-18
As we step into today’s passage we’ll move from prophecy and poetry back into narrative, returning to John’s gospel and his telling of what happened on Sunday morning.
If you’ve walked with us through Isaiah and into Holy Week, you’ll remember the Messianic King, the Suffering Servant, and the way the LORD wove the hope of new life throughout Isaiah’s words. Jesus saw himself as this Suffering Servant, as Israel’s Messiah… As the one who would take the story back to the Garden, in a sense, to announce God’s Kingdom, to “let there be light” to all the world… by giving up his own life as an atoning sacrifice, doing what Israel could not do… and trusting his Father for vindication.
Today he steps into that vindication, and out of the tomb.
As you listen to the passage read aloud, imagine yourself in the scene. Imagine what the disciples might have been thinking, feeling. Remember the anguish of Friday, and the dead quiet of saturday… Would this be the end?
----------REFLECT----------
1. What emotions did you experience as you listened?
2. What words or images stood out to you?
3. The irony of Mary Magdelene thinking Jesus was the gardner must not be lost on us. He was of course the ultimate Gardner, the new Adam, the human who believed God and obeyed him, even unto death, to bring us all back to that Eden blessing—to restored relationship with God himself. Where in your life is he calling you into the garden? Where do you need restoration? Ask the risen Jesus to meet you now.
----------GO DEEPER----------
Bible Project Video: Loyal Love >>
Bible Project Podcast: The Crocus Flower and the Empty Tomb >>
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