Resurrection Gifts

John 20:3–23

In John 20, Jesus beats death, showing us that we don’t have to be scared of dying or losing our loved ones. It reminds us that being close to Jesus sets us free. It also tells us that while we naturally want to be in control, we need to let go and trust God. By doing this, we can feel closer to God, find our purpose, understand who we really are, and tap into a power greater than our own.

1. Being Close to God

After Jesus comes back from the dead, his relationship with Mary changes; he’s not physically there, but his spirit is everywhere. As Christians, we’re encouraged to have this kind of relationship with Jesus, feeling his love and comfort through prayer. Dwight Moody’s life shows how powerful this love can be.

2. Finding Purpose

Jesus’ conversation with Mary shows us a common theme in the Bible: God blesses us so we can bless others. Meeting the risen Christ makes us want to help others, replacing self-pity with a desire to love and care for those around us. The most satisfying feeling comes from this kind of selfless service, reflecting the love we receive from Jesus.

3. Understanding Who We Are

Finding out who you really are isn’t a straight path, but a journey toward the risen Christ. We’re not defined by our successes or what others think of us, but by the love and understanding of the one who truly knows us. It’s only by connecting deeply with Christ and finding our purpose that we can discover our true selves, showing that we’ve really met the risen Christ.

4. Tapping into Power

The Holy Spirit, given by Jesus, gives us the power to trust in God, get close to Him, and serve others. This power helps us understand who we are, changes our actions, and helps us grow spiritually, making us more like Christ. By admitting our faults and asking Jesus for help and knowledge, we can access this power, experiencing the amazing things that come from Jesus’ victory over death.