John 20:1-18 | Food for Thought
Questions
Two times in this focal passage, Mary ran back to the disciples from Jesus’ tomb with a message.
Why was she in a hurry… twice?!
Why did her message change from the first trip to the second?
How does this frame the importance of the resurrection in the gospel we believe and proclaim?
How does Jesus commissioning a woman to testify to his resurrection frame the significance of women (and the nature of God’s kingdom!)? Why could this have been controversial and/or unexpected?
Peter and John race to the tomb after Mary tells them its empty. They see the same evidence inside the tomb - some linen and a face cloth - but they come to different conclusions. Despite not understanding that the bible points to Jesus’ resurrection, John sees the physical evidence and believes that Jesus is alive.
Any thoughts on how evidence, belief, and the bible relate together?
What are the limits of evidence, “pursuading” people to believe, and explaining the Scriptures? What’s the good of those things?
How does this illuminate the personal and supernatural elements of belief? Is this discouraging or encouraging? Why?
Mary arrived early, stayed after the other disciples left, and openly wept in the place she thought Jesus would be.
What does this say about Mary’s devotion to Jesus - even in his death?
How does Mary’s steadfastness - even in her her mourning - turn out for good?
What’s the first thing that Jesus does after his resurrection?
Jesus comforts her, but tells her not to cling too tightly to him. Though he’s risen from the dead, he’s not yet ascended to be with the Father.
While Mary is simply happy that Jesus is alive, how is it even better for her that Jesus will ascend to be with their God and Father?
Why would Jesus want Mary to include his coming ascension in her gospel message to the other disciples?
How does this interaction frame the significance of the ascension to the gospel that we believe and share today?