Notes I took from Pastor Frank's sermon:
Read from John 20-The Empty Tomb
Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene all responded to the empty tomb.
We fit in with one of their three responses.
1. John-He had a relationship with Jesus. He looked into the empty tomb and saw the burial linens lying there. He believed. He had risen 'just as He said.' He didn't need any further evidence. If you are a 'John', you know that you know that you know that Jesus rose from the dead.
2. Peter-He raced inside the tomb while John held back. He saw the cloth neatly folded. In that culture, a folded napkin meant that the person using it was going to return. Peter caught the whole scene. He needed the evidence. If you are a Peter, you need more evidence. You need more proof. You are a bit more skeptical that some.
John and Peter went home. They just experienced something major and they just went home.
There is something more than believing.
3. Mary-She honestly didn't know what to think. She really wanted to believe. She was crying. What does all this mean? Perhaps you feel this way-What is this all about? She hung around and waited. She really wants to see Him. She had an incredible bond with Jesus. He had delivered her from seven demons. Imagine the torment then. Imagine the peace that passes understanding now. She stayed with Him at the cross and held on as long as possible.
You can't expect to get the evidence you need if the only thing you have is religion. We shroud ourselves in religion. Religion tells us that there is an empty tomb. But, what will you do with that empty tomb? Has it transformed your life?
One left believing.
One left skeptical.
One stayed around long enough.
She experienced what no other person has.
First she saw two angels. Where have you put Him? She had not quite connected all the words of Jesus.
There is something about waiting on God. He's not confined to any one's time table.
Jesus was Mary's Rabbi, her way-maker, her healer. Mary saw Jesus but thought He was the gardener. Then He said her name, "Mary." Only He said her name like that. Her name was probably the first word He spoke this side of the cross.
(God came to Eve in a garden. Now Jesus, came to Mary in the garden.)
The only way the Peter's will get the evidence they need is to hang around long enough. If you follow long enough, someone who is following Him, you will get the evidence you need.
Like Mary, you may have been healed by Him; redeemed by Him. Now, you just want to see Him. If you seek Him, you will find Him, if you seek for Him with all your heart.
You believe there is an empty tomb. How does that affect your life? Your face book?
If it hasn't transformed your life, then the empty tomb is just a religion to you.
The Spirit of God reveals Jesus to us.
The Spirit of God is in us.
Tarry a little longer in the Word.
Turn off the TV.
Meet with Jesus.
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