Youth Sermon: The Re-Creation Story

Introduction

Hey everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super cool - how Jesus' resurrection is like a re-creation story. You know, like a fresh start, a new beginning. We'll look at the story of the empty tomb in John's gospel and see how it connects to the story of creation in Genesis. And guess what? Jesus wants to re-create us too, giving us new life and hope. So, let's dive in!

Jesus' resurrection is like a re-creation story, a fresh start, a new beginning.

The Empty Tomb and the Garden of Eden

First, let's read John 20:1-18, where we find the story of Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb. It starts off with Mary going to the tomb while it's still dark, and she finds the stone rolled away. She's scared and thinks someone has taken Jesus' body. She runs to tell Peter and another disciple, and they all go back to the tomb to check it out.

Now, here's where things get interesting. The tomb is in a garden, just like the Garden of Eden in Genesis. And when Mary looks into the tomb, she sees two angels, which also reminds us of the angels in the Garden of Eden. So, we've got some cool connections going on here.

But the best part is when Mary meets Jesus, who she first thinks is the gardener. When Jesus calls her by name, she recognizes him, and he tells her to go and share the good news with the others. This is like a new beginning, a re-creation story, where Jesus brings new life and hope to the world.

Object Lesson

Now, let's do a quick object lesson to help us remember this idea of re-creation. I want you all to take a piece of paper and crumple it up into a ball. This crumpled paper represents our old life, full of mistakes and brokenness. But Jesus wants to re-create us, giving us a fresh start.

So, go ahead and carefully unfold the paper, trying to smooth out the wrinkles. It won't be perfect, but it's a new beginning, just like Jesus offers us through his resurrection.

Conclusion

So, what does this mean for us? It means that Jesus sees us, knows us, and loves us, just like he did with Mary. He wants to give us a fresh start, a new life, free from fear and full of hope. And that's pretty amazing, right?

Let's finish with a prayer.

"Dear Jesus, thank you for your love and for the new life you offer us through your resurrection. Help us to accept this fresh start and to live our lives for you. Amen."

Now, go out and live in the hope and new life that Jesus offers you!

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ give you hope in your life?

2. In what areas of your life do you need God's re-creation and healing?

3. How can you live without fear, knowing that Jesus has defeated death?

4. How does knowing that Jesus sees and loves you just as you are impact your relationship with Him and others?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Garden of Life
• Group Activity: Resurrection Art
• Youth Challenge: Resurrection Reflection Challenge