Introduction

Good morning, dear ones, gathered here in the name of our Lord. Today, we stand on the cusp of a great revelation, a revelation that will not only stir our hearts but also transform our lives. Today, we will open the Word of God, John 20:1-18 and allow its truth to resonate within us.

In the words of the respected Christian author, Charles H. Spurgeon, "The heart of the gospel is redemption, and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ." The sacrifice of our Savior, the salvation He offers, and our call to surrender to His sovereignty - these are the themes that we will be embracing today.

Seeking the Savior

In the early morning hours, while darkness still clung to the world, Mary Magdalene found herself drawn to the tomb. She was driven by a profound love and a deep sense of loss. Her heart was heavy, her spirit was burdened, and yet, she sought out the place where her Lord was laid to rest. This is a picture of a soul in search of its Savior.

Mary's search was not a passive one. She did not sit idly by, waiting for the Savior to reveal Himself to her. Instead, she actively sought Him out, even in the face of great sorrow and uncertainty. She went to the tomb, she peered inside, she questioned the angels, and she engaged with the man she thought was the gardener. Her actions were those of a person determined to find her Lord, no matter the obstacles in her path.

The first aspect of seeking the Savior is this active pursuit. It's not a passive waiting, but an active search. It's about stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear and the destination unknown. It's about pushing through the barriers of doubt, fear, and despair, and pressing on in the hope of finding Jesus.

The second aspect is the persistence in the search. Mary did not give up when she found the tomb empty. She did not abandon her quest when she encountered the angels. She did not cease her search when she mistook Jesus for the gardener. She persisted, driven by a love and a longing that would not be denied.

Persistence in seeking the Savior is not about stubbornness or pride. It's about a deep-seated desire to know Jesus, to experience His presence, to understand His teachings, and to live in the light of His love. It's about a relentless pursuit of the truth, a relentless pursuit of the Savior, no matter the challenges or setbacks.

The third aspect is the recognition of the Savior. When Jesus called Mary by name, she recognized Him. She knew His voice, she knew His presence, and she knew Him. This recognition was not a result of physical sight, but of spiritual insight. It was a recognition born of a deep and intimate relationship with the Savior.

Recognition of the Savior is not about physical sight but about spiritual insight. It's about knowing Jesus, not just knowing about Him. It's about experiencing His presence, not just reading about His deeds. It's about hearing His voice, not just reciting His words.

The fourth aspect is the proclamation of the Savior. Once Mary recognized Jesus, she did not keep the good news to herself. She ran to the disciples and declared, "I have seen the Lord!" She shared her experience, she shared her joy, and she shared her Savior.

Proclamation of the Savior is not about boasting or bragging. It's about sharing the good news of Jesus with others. It's about spreading the joy of the resurrection, the hope of salvation, and the love of the Savior. It's about being a witness to the world, a beacon of light in the darkness, and a voice of hope in the wilderness.

Sacrifice and Salvation

As we continue, we find ourselves standing at the foot of the cross ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO