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To watch the entire service online, click here.
Sermon Summary
On that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene stands outside the tomb in grief, still holding the weight of loss and uncertainty. Even when she encounters the risen Christ, she does not recognize him at first. It is only when Jesus calls her by name that everything changes. In that moment, sorrow gives way to recognition, and despair becomes hope. This story reminds us that resurrection is not always immediately clear to us. Sometimes, even when Christ is near, we struggle to see.
Rev. Mike Love invites us into that same question that echoes through the Gospel and into our own lives: Have you seen Jesus? Like Mary, we may look directly at the presence of Christ and still not recognize him. Yet Jesus is not distant. He is present in plain view, in worship, in community, in prayer, and in the quiet moments where grace meets us. The risen Christ is not hidden, but revealed in ways that invite us to open our eyes and our hearts.
Mary becomes the first witness to the resurrection not because she understands everything, but because she responds. She hears her name, turns toward Christ, and goes to share the good news: “I have seen the Lord.” In the same way, we are called to recognize Christ in our lives and in one another, and to live as witnesses to that hope. Even in seasons of transition or uncertainty, the resurrection reminds us that Christ is present, calling us by name and sending us forward in faith.
Take Time to Reflect
- When have you experienced Christ’s presence, even if you did not recognize it at first?
- Where might Jesus be “in plain view” in your life right now?
- How is Christ calling your name, inviting you to respond and share that hope with others?
John 20:11-18 English Standard Version
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic,[a] “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
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A King Like No Other
Have you ever been part of something exciting where everyone was cheering and celebrating together? That is what it felt like this week when we waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna!” as we remembered Jesus coming into Jerusalem.
As we hear in Matthew 21:1–10, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to bring him a donkey, and he rode into the city while crowds gathered all around him. People placed their coats on the road and waved branches, shouting, “Hosanna!” which means “Save us!” Most kings would ride big, strong horses to show power, but Jesus chose a donkey on purpose. He was showing everyone that he came as a peaceful and humble king.
This story reminds us that Jesus leads differently. He shows us that love is stronger than power and that serving others matters more than being the most important. As we move through this Holy Week, we remember that Jesus comes to bring peace, hope, and love to everyone.
What We Learned:
- The people welcomed Jesus with joy and praise
- “Hosanna” means asking God to save us
- Jesus is a King who brings peace, not power
- We can follow Jesus by loving and serving others
Easter Celebration for Kids
This Sunday is a big day for our kids! Please have your kids, grandkids, and neighbors at the church before 10:00 AM. The Easter Bunny has been busy filling eggs with all kinds of goodies for our St. Matthew kids to hunt on Easter morning.
After the egg hunt, we will gather in our classroom for a movie, popcorn, fruit punch, and a special surprise as we continue to celebrate the resurrection story together. We have even heard there will be a couple of golden eggs hidden this year. Who will find them?
We hope to see you there as we celebrate the joy of Easter together. Blessings!