Title: John 20:11–23
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John 20:11–23
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.” 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?” 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). 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.
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” (ESV)
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In his sermon, "Peace Be with You," Jed Gillis explores the transformative impact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ as depicted in John 20:11–23. The resurrection signifies that Jesus did not remain in the tomb but ascended to be at the right hand of the Father, promising to send another Comforter, the Holy Spirit.
Mary Magdalene's encounter at the empty tomb illustrates her initial grief and confusion, thinking someone had taken Jesus' body. Her sorrow turns to joy when Jesus calls her by name, revealing His resurrected form. This personal interaction highlights how Jesus meets us in our brokenness and offers hope.
Later that evening, Jesus appears to His fearful disciples, offering them peace and showing His wounds as proof of His sacrifice. He commissions them by saying, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you,” and breathes on them to receive the Holy Spirit. This act empowers them for their mission—sharing the message of forgiveness and embodying Christ's love.
The sermon emphasizes that Jesus provides peace amid turmoil, power through the Holy Spirit, and purpose in life as His ambassadors. Believers are called to rest in this peace, act in divine power, and pursue their God-given purpose with confidence and joy.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
