January 29, 2006
Sermon Outline
“Christ’s Resurrection: Mary Magdalene’s Love!”
John 20:1-18

I. Mary Magdalene’s love was born out of the love she first received from Christ – 1 John 4:19
1. Jesus loved Mary before she was capable of love, when she was dead and dreadfully lost in sin – Ephesians 2:1-3
2. As Nicodemus was known for being the one who “came to Jesus by night” Mary Magdalene was known as the one from whom Jesus cast out seven demons – Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9
3. She may be the woman mentioned in Mark 7, who is forgiven much and who loves much, if not she is like her – Luke 7:36-50
4. Many great saints were first great sinners, for instance the Apostle Paul, John Newton and George Muller – 1 Timothy 1:15
5. Even if our sins are not great and scandalous in the eyes of men, they are in God’s sight, we should labor to view our sins as God does and doing so, realize as He has forgiven much, we should love much – Luke 7:47

II. Mary Magdalene’s love made her the brave and bold leader of those who came to Jesus’ tomb – John 20:1
1. She went while it was still dark- John 20:1
2. She went their in spite of the guard, she expected would be there – Matthew 27:66-67
3. She went as a leader, even in spite of great obstacles – Mark 16:1-4
4. She went on a mission of love (to anoint Jesus’ body – Mark 16:1) in spite of a lack of knowledge, a lack of faith!
5. Her early morning efforts excited the efforts and love of Peter and John who also ran to the tomb – John 20:2-9
6. Application come to church, come to Christ –EARLY!

III. Mary Magdalene’s love that draws her to the tomb early, keeps her there even when others leave – John 20:10-11
1. We are not told why Peter and John leave – John 20:10
2. Yet it is clear why Mary stays, he is hurting without Jesus, she would be with Him in any way she could (even thinking He was dead), she seeks Him – John 20:11-15
3. In this she is kin with God’s people before her – Psalm 42:1-3
4. In her seeking and waiting she was adhering to the promises of Scripture – Jeremiah 29:13; Isaiah 40:31

IV. Mary Magdalene’s love is rewarded well beyond all her expectations – John 20:13-18
1. Her language betrays the fact that she really thought Jesus was still dead – John 20:13
2. Her not recognizing Christ, standing right in front of her, shows this even further – John 20:14-15
3. Yet His voice speaking her name “Mary” wakes up a whole new world for her – John 20:16-18
4. Christ’s resurrection speaks to problems of sin and death – 1 Corinthians 15:17-22; and it defeats them – 1 Corinthians 15:50-57
5. Christ’s resurrections speaks to our being able to be restored to right relations with God – John 20:17
6. This great victory should spur us to love and good works – 1 Corinthians 15:58; John 20:18; 1 Samuel 17:51-52

Once she was the Devil’s damsel, filled with demons, filled with sin!
But by grace she followed Jesus! In seeming darkness stayed near Him!
He surprised her that glad morning, she was first to hear His voice,
glad to hear Him, He is living, cause now we should all rejoice!

Pastor Arnold Brevick