The miracle of Easter changed the world
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” JOHN 20:1-2 ESV
The miracle of Easter demands a personal investigation
So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes. JOHN 20:3-10 ESV
The miracle of Easter can be found in the middle of my pain
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. PSALM 34:18 ESV
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 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.” JOHN 20:11-13 ESV
Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” JOHN 20:14-15a ESV
Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. ISAIAH 55:6 NLT
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.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). JOHN 20:15b-16 ESV
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.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. JOHN 20:17-18 ESV
The miracle of Easter can change my life today
Easter Is a day to let things die
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. COLOSSIANS 3:5a NLT
Easter is a day where you can be forgiven of your past.
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. ROMANS 4:7 NLT (Emphasis added)
Easter is a day where you can start fresh.
GOD made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him… he gave me a fresh start. PSALM 18:20 MSG (Emphasis added)
Faith in Jesus requires:
You believe Jesus died for your sins
I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:3 NLT
You believe he was raised to life by God’s power
Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. 1 PETER 1:21 NLT
You are ready to follow and trust Him as your Lord
So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? LUKE 6:46 NLT
My Notes
Personal Reflection Guide
Find a quiet place where you can be free from distractions. Take a few slow, deep breaths, inviting God into this time. Prayerfully take inventory of your life: where are you feeling joy? What areas of your life carry pain or disappointment? For those areas of your life that bring joy, pause and thank God for these. Allow yourself to sit in the joy, thanking God that His joy can be found in your life in these areas. For the painful or disappointing aspects of your life, allow yourself to sit in these, too. Pray in faith, trusting that God will meet you in the pain. Allow your prayer to shift away from “why, God?” instead, to “where can I find you in this pain?” Pause with this question, seeking God’s presence as you do. Confess any areas of doubt or unbelief that surface, and replace these with statements of faith like, “Lord I believe; help me in my unbelief.” Finally, ask God to reveal Himself to you in the everyday aspects of your life. Be on the lookout for Him and His work in your life, praying for the courage to be faithfully (and fully) obedient as you pursue Jesus. Close your time by thanking Jesus for caring enough for you to die on the cross, and for being powerful enough, through the resurrection, to defeat death and sin and their power over our lives. Write down any reflections in the space below, sharing with your group if you feel comfortable.
Discussion Questions
Get the most out of this series by reading and discussing Pastor Matt’s new book ‘Every Day a Miracle.’
Here’s how it works: Read 1-2 chapters per week and discuss the questions in the book at the end of each chapter during your group time.
Go to sandalschurch.com/miracles to get a copy of the book. Copies will also be
available for sale at every Sandals Church campus, while supplies last.
If you are not in a group, who are a few people you could invite to read and discuss the book together? We’d love to help you get started. Go to sandalschurch.com/groups and fill out the ‘Start a Group’ form.
Gather your friends, discuss the book, and experience Miracles together.
- Where are you looking for a miracle?
