Who Found Jesus?
John 3:14-21 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 20 1The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. 3Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
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But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.19
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
Like Mary who saw the stone rolled away…
Many know something special happened - Vs. 1,2
but they will not look in because of darkness.
They can…
Recognize a greater power at work
Realize a drawing power in their lives
Yet they…
Resist "Saving power"
As they waited for Peter…
Many are waiting for others to take the first step towards Christ - Vs. 3
These are usually very sincere, yet they…
Unsure of themselves
Unwilling to take the first step forward
Unaware of effect it has on others' lives
Like John…
Many are so close to believing, yet have real doubts - Vs. 4-5
They are…
Looking for rescue by Christ
Longing for advantages of Christ
But they are…
Leery of trusting commitment to Christ
And happily today, similar to Peter and John…
Many see, understand and believe in the Good News (that He is risen). - Vs. 6-9
They see…
Evidence of His death
Reality of His resurrection
Application to their lives (Change - New Creatures - New Beginnings)
Unfortunately, today we have…
Many are shortchanged because they seek too little from Christ - Vs. 10 (They went home)
They become…
Too easily discouraged
Too troubled to try harder
Too worried about personal problems
But we also see like Mary…
Some have a real desire to find Christ, Know Him in the hope of His resurrection and experience His help in their lives - Vs. 11
They have…
Recognition of His Generous Grace
They…
Believe in a Master and His Loving Lordship
And they…
Witness of His Powerful Presence
So who found Jesus? Have you?
So what are you doing today with your life?
Remembering Him on the cross?
Looking for Him in an empty tomb?
Sitting at home wondering what happened?
Searching for Him and finding what He wants for your life?
Why not come today and find Jesus here and give Him your lfe?
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 033102am_easter