Sermon Starter for Sunday, April 28th 2019
Scripture: John 20:19-31
If this is your first time reading these Sermon Starters, this link may be helpful to orient you.
Biblical:
What is happening contextually?
Immediately before this Scripture passage, we can read in the preceding verses that Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene. This section of Scripture also occurs at the very end of the Gospel of John.
Who are the major players?
Jesus - Mary Magdalene had already told the disciples that Jesus had risen. But here the disciples see Jesus first hand.
The Disciples - in this Gospel account, we don’t know exactly which disciples were there. However, the author of the Gospel of John is quick to point out that Thomas was not there when Jesus first interacts with the disciples.
Thomas - he gets his own special section with Jesus.
Other notes that may be interesting:
I love the last two verses here in 30-31. It’s like the catch-all that can be easily overlooked. What other “signs” did Jesus do that somehow weren’t noteworthy enough to make it in the Gospel of John? Why did John write about stuff we don’t get to know about? What do you think is the point these Gospel stories being so close to the end in this specific way? It might be worth comparing the different ways each of the other Gospels conclude.
Theological
Why would the Gospel writer be so clear that it was Mary Magdalene is the first to interact with Jesus after his resurrection? Why did Jesus choose Mary over any of the other disciples? Who are the different Mary’s in Jesus life and why this Mary instead of the others?
What is most important here in this Passage? Is it that Jesus appeared first to Mary?
Why is a female the first to be the awesome Evangelizer of the Good News?
Why were the Disciples, even though they know Jesus had risen, hiding behind closed doors?
Is Thomas the key aspect to highlight this week?
What is the significance of the Holy Spirit that Jesus mentions in vs. 22?
Relevance
What does it mean to preach the Gospel message about Jesus rising from the dead and proclaiming the Good News to disciples who huddled behind closed doors for fear of those who might hurt them? It’s worth considering this in light of recent terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka where hundreds were killed worshipping this past Easter weekend.
How do we process people around the world grieving over Notre Dame’s terrible fire? What can we learn from the generous people pledging hundreds of millions of dollars so quickly to rebuild the famous church while millions go hungry and without proper medical care?
Diving into this Scripture passage is like jumping into a lake for the first time. We don’t know how cold, how deep or what we may experience. But the thrill of the adventure is exciting all the more.
It’s your turn, what are the nuances in this weeks sermon that are grasping your imagination? Please feel free to share in the comments below.
Peace be with you as you prepare your sermon this week.