Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Joy and Hope in the Risen Jesus

George Gregory · August 1, 2022

John 20:1-10

sharonrpc.org/sermons/joy-hope-in-the-risen-jesus

Summary

Mary Magdalene first interprets the open tomb as a further tragedy because grief prevents her from seeing what God has done.
The opened and orderly tomb witnesses that death could not hold Jesus and that his body was not merely stolen.
Peter and John respond according to different temperaments, reminding believers to show grace toward sincere Christians who approach the same circumstances differently.
John moves from an initial glance to a closer investigation and then to believing perception of the empty tomb's meaning.
Resurrection truth must be received and pondered, not acknowledged only at a distance, if it is to nourish Christian joy and hope.
The risen and reigning Jesus assures believers that sin is forgiven, his work in them will be completed, death leads to his presence, and their bodies will rise in glory.
Because Jesus is alive, painful circumstances belong to God's wise purpose and cannot overturn the believer's final good.

Which present grief or fear has narrowed my vision so that I struggle to remember the resurrection?
Do I merely affirm that Jesus rose, or do I regularly explore what his resurrection means for life and death?
How can I show charity toward believers whose temperament and response differ from mine while they sincerely love Christ?
Which of Christ's resurrection promises most directly answers my current discouragement?
Am I drawing near to Christ through the Word, sacraments, and prayer, or only knowing from a distance where hope may be found?
How does Jesus' present reign change the way I interpret circumstances whose ending I cannot yet see?
Can I name the future hope guaranteed to my body, soul, and dwelling place because Jesus is alive?

Empty tomb: The opened grave in which Jesus' grave cloths remained but his risen body was no longer present.
Resurrection faith: Receiving the apostolic witness that Jesus bodily rose and relying on the implications of his living reign.
Providence: God's wise and holy government of every circumstance for his glory and the good of his people.
Means of grace: The Word, sacraments, and prayer through which believers draw near to Christ and receive his benefits.
Christian hope: Confident expectation grounded in Christ's resurrection, promises, reign, and coming renewal of all things.
Firstfruits: A biblical image describing Christ's resurrection as the beginning and guarantee of his people's future resurrection.