Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Intro and Overview of the Resurrection

George Gregory · July 31, 2022

John 20

sharonrpc.org/sermons/resurrection-intro-overview

Summary

John introduces Jesus as the eternal Word, the giver of life and light, and the Lamb of God who takes away sin.
The signs in John's Gospel reveal who Jesus is and what he accomplishes: purification, healing, satisfaction, divine presence, sight, resurrection, and life.
The cross brings forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace with God, but the gospel does not end with Christ's death.
Jesus has risen bodily from the dead, confirming the sufficiency of his saving work and opening a new life for his people.
John 20–21 presents the resurrection through Christ's personal dealings with grieving, fearful, doubtful, and restored disciples.
The series will trace joy and hope at the empty tomb, comfort for Mary, peace for the disciples, and loving devotion in Jesus' final recorded moments with them.
Believers are invited to know the risen Jesus more deeply and to live with joy, comfort, peace, faith, and love because he is alive.

Has my practical understanding of the gospel stopped at the cross without reflecting on Christ's resurrection and present reign?
How do John's signs direct me beyond the miracles themselves to the identity and saving work of Jesus?
What assurance does the resurrection give that Christ's sacrifice was sufficient and accepted?
Which do I most need from the risen Jesus now: joy, hope, comfort, peace, or renewed love?
How might watching Jesus deal personally with his disciples deepen my own relationship with him?
Do I live as though Jesus is alive and reigning, or as though the grave had the final word?
What would it mean this week to seek deeper faith in and love for the risen Christ?

Resurrection: Jesus Christ's bodily rising from death into imperishable life, the decisive victory that confirms his saving work.
Word: John's title for the eternal Son, who was with God, was God, made all things, and became flesh.
Lamb of God: Jesus as the divinely provided sacrifice who bears away the sin of the world.
Atonement: Christ's sacrificial work satisfying divine justice and reconciling sinners to God.
Justification: God's free act of pardoning sinners and accepting them as righteous for Christ's righteousness received by faith.
Life in his name: The saving and everlasting life received through believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.