First Words (4/9/2023)

The First Words of the Resurrected Jesus - First Words (John 20:1-18)

Mary Magdalene lives the Easter story for all of us. All who follow Christ come the way she traveled. At the beginning of her story, she is described as "standing outside and crying."  that is where faith is born. Easter begins in the pain. But we do not have to stay there. What Jesus did for her, he longs to do in you.

• Jesus saw her pain, "Dear woman..." (His compassion is endless).
• Jesus knew her name, "Mary..." (His love is personal. You are not the only one, but it is as if you were).
• Jesus met her need, "Do not cling..." (His provision is perfect. You don't have to cling to your salvation. He does the work. Just surrender. Trust Him).
• Jesus gave her purpose, "go...find...tell" (His plan is for good).
  • He reminds her of the promise, "My Father, Your Father. My God, Your God."

In the coming weeks, come expecting a worship encounter that not only teaches worship - but provides fresh experiences of authentic worship. We all worship. But we do not all worship Jesus. Come in the next weeks prepared to worship Jesus!