Youth Sermon: I Have Seen Jesus!

Introduction

You know how in movies, something crazy happens and you're like, No way, that can't be real! Well, that's how some people feel about Jesus' resurrection. But it's not about whether it happened or not, it's about what it means for us today. So, let's dive in.

But it's not about whether it happened or not, it's about what it means for us today.

Object Lesson

Imagine you've got a puzzle, but it's all mixed up. You're trying to put it together, but it's hard because you don't have the box to see the full picture. That's like us trying to understand Jesus. We've got pieces, but we're not always sure how they fit together.

Main Teaching

So, it's early Sunday morning, and Mary Magdalene finds Jesus' tomb empty. She's freaking out, thinking someone's stolen his body. Peter and John check it out, see the burial clothes, but they're still confused.

Then, Jesus shows up, but Mary thinks he's the gardener. It's not until he says her name that she realizes it's him. She wants to hug him, but he's like, Not now, Mary. Things are different. Jesus is always surprising us, right? We think we've got him figured out, but then he shows us there's more to learn.

Jesus tells Mary to let the others know he's going back to his Father, their Father, his God, their God. That's the big Easter message: we're invited to have the same relationship with God that Jesus has. Mary runs back and tells the others, I've seen Jesus!

Applications

Every Easter, we're like Mary, Peter, and John. Some of us get it right away, others need a bit more time. We've seen bits of Jesus, but we're still putting the puzzle together.

Remember, Jesus shows up in unexpected ways. We can't just stick with what we know about him; he wants us to keep learning. It's like going on an adventure with him.

Conclusion

Easter's all about getting a fresh start with Jesus. When we meet him, we change. We start thinking and living differently. It's like we're walking in a new life that Jesus gives us.

Let's pray together. God, thanks for the fresh start. Help us to keep learning about you and to see you in our lives. Amen.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How does the resurrection of Jesus impact your life today?

2. In what unexpected ways have you experienced Jesus?

3. How can you grow in your understanding of Jesus?

4. What does it mean to you that Jesus invites us into the same relationship with God that he has?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Resurrection Relay
• Group Activity: Jesus in Disguise
• Youth Challenge: Recognizing Jesus Challenge