04/07/2026
The first work of Jesus (recorded by John) after the resurrection was to ask a question of care and concern.
Let that sink in.
Jesus didn’t organize a military operation to go after those who crucified him. He didn’t get up from the grave looking like a warrior, in fact John included that he was mistaken for a gardener- a gardener!! What does that do to your picture of God?
Jesus first act was to be present with Mary in her grief “, to ask a question of care and concern and then send her out to tell the disciples that she had in fact seen the Lord with weeping eyes!
If you read the next few verses (John 20:19-23) you will be shocked by how Jesus will commission his followers to live in the new creation- as peacemakers and forgivers - empowered by the Spirit, the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead!!
But that is for another post and next week’s sermon.
***Follow along to be challenged by Jesus to live a flourishing life in God’s new creation.