Jesus Keeps Appearing Series

Message

John 20:11-31

Jesus Keeps Appearing

Have you noticed that when you are in need that the appearance of someone who is significant in your life can make all the difference.

Maybe your car has broken down and you are stuck in the rain. You have rung your Dad and now he is just arriving to help you. Immediately you feel much safer.

You have gone to a party which you thought was going to be safe, but now it has gotten out of control. So you ring your sister to come and pick you up. You’re really glad she is there.

You are at home alone and you are feeling a little scared. You ring a friend and they come around. Very soon your fears are gone.

The mere appearance of someone who is significant makes all the difference.

Which is exactly what is happening as we focus on the actions of Jesus after His resurrection.

Let’s read John 20:11-30

What are we seeing here?

Jesus keeps appearing to show He is able to bring all that is needed in every situation.

Jesus appears to Mary in her grief …

The disciples came and saw an empty tomb and then left.

Mary stays at the tomb. Absolutely distraught.

It is bad enough that Jesus is dead – but now the body has been taken.

Was it grave robbers?

Was it the gardener?

In the end it doesn’t matter – Mary has been robbed of her ability to take the time to grieve.

Perhaps in the hope that the disciples have missed something she looks into the tomb again.

This time there are two angels.

Usually when people see angels they respond in fear.

Mary just treats them as if they are another group to have a conversation with.

Woman, why are you crying? They ask.

I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster.

My close friend is dead.

I’m sad that the group I was a part of has broken up.

My heart is broken because my Saviour is gone.

I’m struggling to come to terms with this new situation.

I didn’t get a chance to say “good bye”.

All of these things, and so much more. They make Mary grieve.

…

They make us grieve as well don’t they.

…

There is so much about this world that has grief attached to it. How many times over our lives have we found ourselves shedding tears.

It can feel like there is no answer.

Then Jesus turns up.

Woman why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?

Jesus appears to Mary in her grief …

… to bring comfort.

It takes a little while for her to understand but finally she gets it.

In fact he needs to say her name, “Mary”.

John chapter 10 tells us that the sheep of Jesus recognise Him because of His voice.

In the garden outside an empty tomb this the Great Shepherd … using His voice … “Mary”.

All of the sudden the tears are gone. All of the sudden everything changes.

Jesus hasn’t gone.

And when I see Him come into the middle of my grief I can be transformed to a place of comfort.

Our grief does not have to be the lasting situation.

That is what happens when Jesus appears.

But that isn’t all.

Jesus appears to the Disciples in their fear …

It is evening. From the other Gospels we know that Mary has come to tell the disciples that she has seen the Lord.

They have all had the day to think about what has happened and wonder about the implications.

It doesn’t seem that anyone has remembered the words of Jesus where He said He would rise again.

Nor does it seem that the news from Mary has given them any boldness or courage.

They are so afraid they have locked themselves into a house. And all the doors are locked. They are afraid of the Jews.

Now that Jesus is out of the way what will happen to those who followed Him.

Will the Jewish round up the remaining followers to bring an end to the work of Jesus.

Will there be persecution?

There is fear about the ministry impact and whether it will come to an end.

…

That happens to disciples doesn’t it – disciples like us.

…

We are fearful about the impact of the ministry which we are called to have.

We are fearful about what others think of us and their reaction to us being followers of Jesus.

We are fearful because we know what our identity should be, but we don’t always act accordingly.

Then Jesus turns up.

He doesn’t knock on the door and wait to be let in.

He just turns up and He is there in the room.