Unit 1 LESSON 8

April 20, 2025

Study Text: John 20:1-31

             Central Truth: The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christian faith and practice.

KEY VERSE: Mark 16:6 He saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen: he is not here: behold the place where they laid (KJV).

The angel said, Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body" (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

In the Gospel that bears his name, the apostle John recorded his own detail experience of seeing the empty tomb and the resurrected Savior. His reason for writing was to lead others to believe in Jesus. This week's lesson tells the story of the first disciples who encountered the risen Christ and how He sent them to begin the work of evangelism we continue today.

PART 1- An Empty Tomb

Looking for the Lord        John 20:1-2

Although other women went to Jesus' tomb with Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:1). John's Gospel focuses on her. When the women arrived at Jesus' tomb, they discovered that the stone had already been removed from the entrance (John 20:1). Allowing Jesus' followers access to His empty tomb would be one way God showed the reality pf the Resurrection. Mary would soon learn that Jesus was alive. But when she first saw the open tomb, she assumed His body had been taken. She ran to tell Peter and John (verse 2).

Discuss? Mary Magdalene followed Jesus because He had completely transformed her life. How has your life been transformed by Jesus?

Seeing and Believing                        John 20:3-9

Peter and John ran to the tomb to see for themselves. They saw not just the linen wrappings, but also the cloth that had been around Jesus' head. This was not the chaotic scene that would have resulted from a grave robbery (Matthew 28:11-15). John saw the evidence of Jesus' resurrection and believed (John 20:8). Only later, with Jesus' help, would John and the rest of the disciples grasp the Scriptures that had said Jesus would die and then rise again (verse 9).

Discuss? How do you think you would have reacted to the empty tomb if you had been there that Sunday morning with Mary and the other women?

Part 2-- The Risen Lord

Mary's Sorrow                         John 20:10-14

When the angels asked why Mary was crying, she said, "Because they have taken away my Lord . . . and I don't know where they have put him" (John 20:13). She mistakenly believed the situation had been orchestrated by some human power. But these events were unfolding according to God's purpose. As she wept, Mary turned and saw Jesus--but did not realize that it was Him (verse 14). Mary was not the only one who did not recognize Jesus after His resurrection. Later, Jesus' closet disciples did not recognize Him on the Galilee shore (21:4).

DISCUSS? What might keep you from clearly recognizing Jesus today?

          Jesus Reveals His Identity                  John 20:15-16

When He appeared to Mary, Jesus asked her the same questions the angels had (John 20:15). Thinking Jesus was a gardener, Mary begged Him to confess where Jesus' body was, so she could retrieve and care for it. But then Jesus broke through her grief with one word: "Mary" (verse 16). In one moment, Mary's confusion, disappointment, and sorrow were swept away by the joy of seeing Jesus, victoriously risen from the dead. When we share the good news about Jesus, we are talking about the living Son of God who conquered death once and for all. He will completely transform anyone who surrenders to Him, preparing them to live forever with Him.

DISCUSS? Share about a time when God's presence turned your confusion into peace, your disappointment into hope, or your sorrow into joy.

      Part 3- The Great Commission

The Resurrection Announced       John 20:17-18

Mary clung to Jesus, not ready to let Savior go anytime soon. But Jesus gave her the responsibility of telling the disciples He was alive and would be ascending to "my Father and your Father, to my God and your God" (John 20:17). His phrasing reflects the relationship with God that Jesus has made possible for all (1:12-13). Jesus' return to the Father would begin a new phase in the disciples' lives. No longer would Jesus be physically present with them; instead, He would send the Holy Spirit in His place (14:16-18).

Discuss? In what ways is it "best" for Jesus' followers that He has ascended, and the Holy Spirit has come (John 16:7)?

Sent into the World                   John 20:19-23

Jesus' first words to the disciples--"Peace be with you" (John 20:19) --were especially necessary. He then showed them His hands and side, confirming He was alive again. Jesus' followers were filled with joy when they saw Him. Jesus immediately called the disciples to action, "As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." Then He "breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit" (verse 22). A key element of the disciples' message would be the forgiveness of sins. We have forgiveness of sins, a new relationship with the father, and the power of the Holy Spirit. We also have the responsibility to tell people that they can become God's children too (Matthew 28:19-20).

Discuss? Sharing the good news of Jesus is one of the most important things Christians can do. How would you respond to someone who believes God can't (or won't) forgive them?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

Mary Magdalene and the other disciples experienced instant joy when Jesus appeared to them, victoriously risen from the dead. As Jesus' followers, we can experience the same joy and share it with others, Jesus is still offering the gift of forgiveness and everlasting life to anyone who will follow him.

LIVING IT OUT

Think of one person who needs to hear about God's forgiveness. Pray for an opportunity to share the gospel with him or her this week.

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

Monday: Living Redeemer. (Job 19:23-27).

          Tuesday: Resurrection Hope. (Psalm 16:1-11)

              Wednesday: Jesus Christ Lives. (Luke 24:36-48)

                  Thursday: Promise of Resurrection (John 5:19-20) 

           Friday. Resurrected Body. (1 Corinthians 15:49-58) 

           Saturday: Newness of Life. (Colossians 3:1-10)

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 106 Number 3. Mar. Apr. May 2025