April 11, 2004 - Easter Sunday
Lessons: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Corinthians 15:19-26; John 20:1-18
This study sheet is based on Jesus Appearing to Mary Magdalene - John 20:10-18
Open It
How has someone recently surprised you with what he or she did or said?
What is the most exciting news you've heard this week?
Explore It
What did Mary and the disciples do after seeing that Jesus' body was gone? (John 20:10-11)
What did Mary see where Jesus' body had been? (John 20:12)
What did the angels ask Mary? (John 20:13)
How did Mary answer the angels' question? (John 20:13)
Who tried to comfort Mary? (John 20:14-15)
What question did Jesus ask Mary? (John 20:15)
How did Mary respond to Jesus' question? (John 20:15)
What happened when Mary realized who was talking to her? (John 20:16)
Why did Jesus tell Mary not to hold on to Him? (John 20:17)
What did Jesus tell Mary to tell His brothers? (John 20:17)
What did Mary do? (John 20:18)
Get It
How would you respond if you met someone you had presumed to be dead?
What would you do if you saw an angel?
Over what loss have you recently shed tears?
How do you think Mary felt when she realized she was talking to Jesus?
When is it tempting to hold on to something good rather than letting it go?
If you had been one of the disciples who had heard Mary's exciting news, how do you think you would have reacted?
When have you been exceptionally thrilled about your relationship with Christ?
How can you demonstrate your devotion to Jesus?
Apply It
Who is someone you want to tell about the news of Jesus' resurrection? How can you?
How can you celebrate your relationship with the living Christ this week?
John 20:17: Mary did not want to lose Jesus again. She had not yet understood the resurrection. Perhaps she thought this was his promised second coming (John 14:3). But Jesus did not want to be detained at the tomb. If he did not ascend to heaven, the Holy Spirit could not come. Both he and Mary had important work to do.
John 20:18: Mary didn't recognize Jesus at first. Her grief had blinded her; she couldn't see him because she didn't expect to see him. Then he spoke her name, and immediately she recognized him. Imagine the love that flooded her heart when she heard her Savior saying her name.
John 20:18 Mary did not meet the risen Christ until she had discovered the empty tomb. She responded with joy and obedience by going to tell the disciples. We cannot meet Christ until we discover that he is indeed alive, that his tomb is empty. Are you filled with joy by this good news, and do you share it with others?