CONTEXT:
- John is the greatest gospel theologically.
- The resurrection story is the most important chapter.
- There are only three people mentioned by name in this chapter (besides Jesus) (note: “the other disciple whom Jesus loved” is an obvious reference to John, but he is not mentioned by name).
KEY IDEA:
What is the importance of these three people in this greatest chapter of the greatest gospel? What is the message of these three people?
THREE PEOPLE/THREE QUESTIONS:
QUESTION #1: What would Jesus say to the person desperately seeking a way to deal with their mess of a life?
PERSON #1: Mary Magdalene.
- Luke 8:2 notes that she had seven demons cast out of her.
- John 20:1-2, 11-18; Luke 8:2; John 19:25.
HONOR GIVEN HER: First to see Jesus resurrected.
- v. 16.
QUESTION #2: What would Jesus say to the person who was
once close to Jesus but walked away?
PERSON #2: Peter.
- walked away: Matthew 26:13-35, 69-75.
- John 20:2-10; 21:15-19; Acts 2:14-39; Matthew 26:13-35, 69-75.
HONOR GIVEN HIM: First to preach the Good News.
- Acts 2:14-39.
QUESTION #3: What would Jesus say to the person who
believes faith in Jesus requires turning off their brain?
PERSON #3: Thomas.
- John 20:24-29.
HONOR GIVEN HIM: First to have the insight to call Jesus “God.”
- John 20:28.
CONCLUSION:
- In each case, God chose to use someone far short of perfect in this most important of all moments.
