RESURRECTION: THE TURNAROUND POINT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 20:11-18
Supporting Texts: Luke 24:1-8, Matthew 28:5-7, John 16:20-22, Psalm 30:5, Isaiah 61:3
INTRODUCTION:
The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the greatest turnaround story in history. What seemed like a hopeless end became a new beginning. At the cross, sorrow, pain, and confusion clouded the hearts of His disciples. But at the empty tomb, joy, faith, and victory erupted. The resurrection turned tragedy into triumph and despair into rejoicing.
Mary Magdalene’s experience at the tomb paints a vivid picture of the turnaround power of the resurrection. She came weeping, but she left rejoicing. She came looking for a dead body, but encountered the risen Saviour. That moment became a divine shift—one that continues to transform lives today. The resurrection of Jesus is your guarantee that no matter how bad things may look, God can turn it around.
1. THE RESURRECTION TURNS TEARS INTO JOY
No sorrow is too deep for Jesus to turn into singing.
a) God sees your pain
Mary stood at the tomb weeping, but heaven was already working (John 20:11).
b) Heaven responds to heartfelt sorrow
Angels appeared in her moment of grief—God honours our tears (Psalm 56:8).
c) Jesus meets us in our brokenness
The risen Christ approached Mary in her lowest moment (John 20:14)
d) Joy comes in the morning
Weeping may endure for a night, but resurrection brings a dawn of rejoicing (Psalm 30:5).
Biblical Example: Hannah cried in sorrow, but later rejoiced when God turned her situation around (1 Samuel 1:10-20).
2. THE RESURRECTION TURNS CONFUSION INTO CLARITY
When Jesus shows up, every misunderstanding is corrected.
a) Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener
Despair can cloud our spiritual vision (John 20:15).
b) Jesus called her by name
Divine clarity begins when we hear His voice (John 10:27).
c) Revelation dispels confusion
The moment Jesus revealed Himself, Mary knew who He was (John 20:16).
d) God does not leave us in the dark
The resurrection opens our eyes to divine truth (Luke 24:31-32).
Biblical Example: The disciples on the road to Emmaus were confused until Jesus opened their eyes (Luke 24:13-35).
3. THE RESURRECTION TURNS DISAPPOINTMENT INTO PURPOSE
Your pain becomes purposeful in the light of the risen Christ.
a) Mary’s sorrow had a divine setup
What looked like a loss became the stage for her calling (John 20:17).
b) Resurrection births new assignments
Jesus commissioned Mary to announce His resurrection (John 20:17-18).
c) Every setback sets up a comeback
God uses pain as a platform for destiny (Romans 8:28).
d) Purpose is revealed after the cross
The empty tomb speaks of destiny rising from death (Isaiah 61:3).
Biblical Example: Peter’s denial brought disappointment, but the risen Christ restored and commissioned him (John 21:15-17).
4. THE RESURRECTION TURNS SILENCE INTO A MESSAGE
Your testimony begins when the stone is rolled away.
a) Mary left with a message of hope
She became the first preacher of the resurrection (John 20:18).
b) Your encounter becomes your evangelism
True experiences with Jesus cannot be kept silent (Acts 4:20).
c) God gives a voice to the voiceless
Mary, once bound by seven demons, now speaks of the Risen Lord (Luke 8:2).
d) Your pain becomes your platform
What you came through will bless others when Christ uses your voice (2 Corinthians 1:4).
Biblical Example: The Samaritan woman went from shame to becoming a citywide evangelist after meeting Jesus (John 4:28-30).
5. THE RESURRECTION TURNS FINALITY INTO NEW BEGINNING
Where man says it’s over, God says it's just beginning.
a) The cross looked like the end
But the tomb was the place of divine reversal (Matthew 28:6).
b) God writes the final chapter
Man’s rejection cannot stop God’s resurrection (Revelation 1:18).
c) New life begins after death
In Christ, death is not the end but a transition (2 Corinthians 5:1).
d) Resurrection opens the way for eternal life
Jesus’ rising secured our access to glory (John 11:25-26).
Biblical Example: Lazarus’ story ended in death, but Jesus rewrote it with life and glory (John 11:43-44).
CONCLUSION:
The resurrection is God’s ultimate declaration that He is not finished with you. When you think it’s over, God is just beginning. Just like Mary, who came to the tomb in grief but left with joy, you too can experience a turnaround. Jesus is alive, and because He lives, everything can change. Let the power of His resurrection turn your tears to joy, your despair to purpose, your silence to testimony, and your end into a glorious beginning.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the power of the resurrection that turns my life around.
2. Father, let every area of sorrow in my life be turned into joy.
3. Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see Your purpose in every situation.
4. Father, give me boldness to proclaim the message of the risen Christ.
5. By Your resurrection power, rewrite every dead story in my life.
