WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.700 Good morning everyone. What a day! Easter Sunday, genuinely. Sunday, my favourite day of the week. 00:00:06.740 --> 00:00:10.640 Easter Sunday, my favourite day of the year. So I am perky this morning, which is great. 00:00:11.380 --> 00:00:18.800 We gather together, don't we, to celebrate and remember the most significant of days. 00:00:19.760 --> 00:00:28.740 And right at its centre is the person who has undoubtedly made the biggest impact throughout world history. 00:00:28.739 --> 00:00:31.879 In fact, here's Napoleon. Napoleon said this, 00:00:32.000 --> 00:00:41.140 I marvel that whereas the ambitious dreams of myself, Caesar and Alexander, should have vanished into thin air, 00:00:42.079 --> 00:00:49.539 that a Judean peasant, Jesus, should be able to stretch out his hands across the centuries 00:00:49.539 --> 00:00:54.480 and control the destinies of men and nations. 00:00:54.480 --> 00:00:58.519 Such is the impact of this man, Jesus of Nazareth, through the generations. 00:00:58.740 --> 00:01:01.140 But maybe you're thinking to yourself, so what? 00:01:02.380 --> 00:01:06.540 So a lot of people have kind of made impacts on history throughout the years. So what? 00:01:08.180 --> 00:01:10.560 Maybe put it to you like this. 00:01:11.099 --> 00:01:15.060 A friend of mine once asked me this question, pitch it to you, see what you think. 00:01:16.320 --> 00:01:19.060 You know, we've all got those kind of friends who don't do small talk. 00:01:19.060 --> 00:01:21.500 Maybe that's you, I don't know. 00:01:21.560 --> 00:01:29.079 The kind of person for whom chats about the weather and about cooking recipes and about public transport are just a waste of time. 00:01:30.180 --> 00:01:32.820 Well, a number of years ago, one of those people, and I'm all up for those people, 00:01:32.900 --> 00:01:34.939 they asked me this question and here it is. 00:01:34.939 --> 00:01:42.120 Is there anything that if you found out it wasn't true would cause you to give up following Jesus? 00:01:43.459 --> 00:01:44.379 Told you it was a biggie. 00:01:45.739 --> 00:01:48.120 Whoever you are here today, I wonder how you would answer that question. 00:01:48.179 --> 00:01:53.219 Is there anything that if you found out it wasn't true would cause you to give up following Jesus? 00:01:53.219 --> 00:01:55.939 Because I reckon this friend expected me to say no. 00:01:57.159 --> 00:01:59.420 But for me it was really simple. 00:01:59.599 --> 00:02:01.900 It didn't take me long to think of this honest answer. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:05.140 The answer is most definitely yes. 00:02:06.180 --> 00:02:13.939 There are a number of things that if we fact check them and they turned out to be fake news, 00:02:14.060 --> 00:02:16.520 then I for one would check out of Christianity. 00:02:17.079 --> 00:02:21.860 And the physical resurrection of Jesus is one of them. 00:02:21.860 --> 00:02:24.880 Now boys and girls, I don't know if you enjoy playing Jenga. 00:02:25.020 --> 00:02:26.000 I love playing Jenga. 00:02:26.140 --> 00:02:31.300 But I always like to think that the physical resurrection of Jesus is like a game of Jenga. 00:02:31.800 --> 00:02:37.440 That if you pulled out this Jenga brick, it would cause the whole thing to come crashing down. 00:02:39.040 --> 00:02:44.020 Christianity is not a kind of leave your brain at the door kind of gig. 00:02:44.660 --> 00:02:47.800 There's plenty of solid ground beneath your feet. 00:02:47.920 --> 00:02:51.680 And if you're thinking about that, can I trust the evidence for this man Jesus? 00:02:51.680 --> 00:02:54.480 And everything that went on 2,000 odd years ago. 00:02:54.580 --> 00:02:58.319 We've got books at the back just giving away called Is Easter Unbelievable? 00:02:58.580 --> 00:02:59.340 Really short. 00:02:59.480 --> 00:03:01.340 You can smash it in an afternoon. 00:03:01.760 --> 00:03:05.000 But we'll give you some really solid answers to some of your questions. 00:03:06.260 --> 00:03:09.080 But even then, let's suppose for a minute that he did. 00:03:10.439 --> 00:03:14.120 Let's suppose that a man walked out of a tomb 2,000 odd years ago. 00:03:14.240 --> 00:03:16.240 Again, so what? 00:03:16.240 --> 00:03:19.680 Here's what I want to do. 00:03:20.460 --> 00:03:28.760 I want to give you two reasons why this is the best news that any human being could ever hope to hear. 00:03:28.759 --> 00:03:35.620 And to get these two reasons, we need to step inside the shoes, or I guess they probably would have been sandals, 00:03:36.079 --> 00:03:41.340 of the person who's right at the heart of the drama in John 20. 00:03:41.399 --> 00:03:42.780 If you've got a Bible, come with me there. 00:03:42.840 --> 00:03:45.500 If you don't have one, grab one on the pews or get it on your phone. 00:03:46.099 --> 00:03:47.899 John chapter 20. 00:03:47.900 --> 00:03:53.659 The curtain opens on the original Easter Sunday morning at verse 1 of chapter 20. 00:03:54.740 --> 00:03:57.500 And we meet this woman called Mary Magdalene. 00:03:58.640 --> 00:04:00.659 Now, Magdalene's not her surname. 00:04:01.599 --> 00:04:08.780 Magdala is the name of the little fishing village, which is on the west side of the Sea of Galilee, where she's from. 00:04:08.780 --> 00:04:19.040 So I guess Magdalene is kind of like her nickname, the one that helps differentiate her from the other Marys who are around and on the scene at the time. 00:04:19.120 --> 00:04:23.639 Now, we don't know an awful lot about Mary Magdalene, but we know one thing about her for sure. 00:04:25.339 --> 00:04:28.160 Is that she's got a really painful past. 00:04:30.560 --> 00:04:37.660 She is, when we first meet her in the Gospels, we're told that she was previously tormented by demons. 00:04:37.660 --> 00:04:46.480 So that means that Mary is a really distressed soul when she first encounters Jesus in the Gospels. 00:04:47.180 --> 00:04:48.320 So there's Mary. 00:04:48.480 --> 00:04:51.520 There's no glittering career prospects for Mary. 00:04:52.680 --> 00:04:56.700 No Mr. Darcy coming to pick her up and take her to the prom. 00:04:57.000 --> 00:05:01.680 There's no healthcare system that's able to step in and tend to her needs. 00:05:02.500 --> 00:05:06.280 And while the world turned away from Mary, 00:05:07.660 --> 00:05:12.100 this man Jesus turned towards her in compassion and love. 00:05:13.620 --> 00:05:20.860 I love that in the Gospels about Jesus, that those who in society are left feeling forgotten, 00:05:22.000 --> 00:05:27.460 they find that in Jesus Christ, they find someone to whom they truly matter. 00:05:27.459 --> 00:05:33.560 You will not meet a more magnetically brilliant person in all of history. 00:05:34.479 --> 00:05:36.500 A man of boundless compassion. 00:05:37.359 --> 00:05:39.279 A man of towering charisma. 00:05:39.819 --> 00:05:41.539 Jesus is humanity. 00:05:41.719 --> 00:05:44.179 The image of God as it was meant to be. 00:05:44.339 --> 00:05:47.679 No one reads the Gospels, reads about this man Jesus, 00:05:47.879 --> 00:05:52.599 and comes away thinking anything other than there is life to the full. 00:05:52.600 --> 00:05:57.879 This man who perfectly loved the Lord God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. 00:05:58.140 --> 00:06:01.100 This man who perfectly loved his neighbor as himself. 00:06:01.580 --> 00:06:03.700 This man in whom truly was life. 00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:06.420 And Jesus met Mary. 00:06:07.439 --> 00:06:09.580 And he freed Mary from her demons. 00:06:10.200 --> 00:06:12.640 And he forgave her of her sin. 00:06:12.639 --> 00:06:17.519 What you've got to understand is that Jesus gave Mary life. 00:06:18.339 --> 00:06:22.219 And to Mary, to know Jesus is life. 00:06:22.979 --> 00:06:25.879 Of course, that's the confession of everybody who comes to know him. 00:06:26.919 --> 00:06:28.240 That in him is life. 00:06:28.360 --> 00:06:29.639 To know him is life. 00:06:30.839 --> 00:06:33.300 To Mary, Jesus is everything. 00:06:33.300 --> 00:06:39.800 And so she joins this band of disciples who travel with Jesus on his journeys. 00:06:41.040 --> 00:06:44.500 And she's heard him speak about how he's going to rise again on the third day. 00:06:45.540 --> 00:06:48.660 And she's seen him enter Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. 00:06:49.480 --> 00:06:54.080 And she's seen him on the cross as he dies. 00:06:54.220 --> 00:06:56.699 And she witnesses Jesus being put in the tomb. 00:06:56.759 --> 00:06:59.500 And the stone being rolled in front of it on the Friday. 00:06:59.500 --> 00:07:05.480 And don't miss the fact that between the last verse of chapter 19. 00:07:06.259 --> 00:07:08.939 And the first verse of chapter 20. 00:07:09.839 --> 00:07:11.839 A whole day has passed. 00:07:14.220 --> 00:07:15.540 Mary's sitting there. 00:07:16.100 --> 00:07:17.459 In her questions. 00:07:18.560 --> 00:07:20.379 She's in her doubts. 00:07:20.620 --> 00:07:23.379 She's trying to pull sense from the wreckage. 00:07:23.500 --> 00:07:24.639 That is the heartbreak. 00:07:24.759 --> 00:07:25.579 The confusion. 00:07:26.139 --> 00:07:27.019 The disappointment. 00:07:27.019 --> 00:07:28.920 That is ravaging her soul. 00:07:28.920 --> 00:07:30.800 Is she thinks what on earth has happened. 00:07:31.120 --> 00:07:32.259 To this man. 00:07:33.000 --> 00:07:34.340 Who gave me life. 00:07:36.120 --> 00:07:37.460 And when Sunday strikes. 00:07:37.640 --> 00:07:38.640 Do you see how she's up. 00:07:38.720 --> 00:07:40.120 And she's at the tomb early. 00:07:41.020 --> 00:07:43.600 And she sees that the stone's been rolled away. 00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:48.240 She probably assumes that a band of grave robbers have been and have gone. 00:07:49.800 --> 00:07:51.740 And so she runs back to get the others. 00:07:51.860 --> 00:07:52.720 And Peter and John. 00:07:52.819 --> 00:07:53.500 They come running. 00:07:54.780 --> 00:07:56.900 I love how John tells you he got there first. 00:07:57.000 --> 00:07:57.540 As if to say. 00:07:57.900 --> 00:07:58.500 Quicker runner. 00:07:58.920 --> 00:08:01.300 And Peter looks in. 00:08:01.379 --> 00:08:02.759 And Mary's absolutely right. 00:08:02.800 --> 00:08:03.340 Isn't she? 00:08:03.740 --> 00:08:05.460 There's no body there. 00:08:05.459 --> 00:08:12.599 This God who is father. 00:08:12.599 --> 00:08:14.239 He is son and he is spirit. 00:08:14.359 --> 00:08:16.279 This God who is three in one. 00:08:16.719 --> 00:08:17.759 This God who is. 00:08:18.459 --> 00:08:21.979 And who has eternally existed as a community of love. 00:08:22.459 --> 00:08:24.599 That's why we can say God is love. 00:08:24.679 --> 00:08:25.759 Because he is father. 00:08:25.879 --> 00:08:27.019 He is son and he is spirit. 00:08:27.019 --> 00:08:28.019 And this God. 00:08:28.019 --> 00:08:29.279 And this God. 00:08:29.399 --> 00:08:31.399 Out of an overflow of his love. 00:08:31.919 --> 00:08:33.819 He creates the world. 00:08:34.159 --> 00:08:35.620 Out of nothing. 00:08:36.679 --> 00:08:39.019 And as the pinnacle of his creation. 00:08:39.199 --> 00:08:40.840 He makes human beings. 00:08:41.679 --> 00:08:43.939 He makes them male and female. 00:08:44.079 --> 00:08:45.600 He makes them in his image. 00:08:45.600 --> 00:08:48.779 And that means whoever you are here today. 00:08:50.019 --> 00:08:51.600 Every life matters. 00:08:52.639 --> 00:08:54.240 Every single life matters. 00:08:54.420 --> 00:08:55.720 Know that you are not an accident. 00:08:56.779 --> 00:08:58.920 Know whatever is going on in your life just now. 00:08:59.019 --> 00:09:00.420 You have wonderful dignity. 00:09:01.259 --> 00:09:03.060 That you have beautiful purpose. 00:09:03.580 --> 00:09:05.779 Because you are made in the image of this God. 00:09:05.779 --> 00:09:10.480 You are made to know and enjoy the good God who made you. 00:09:11.600 --> 00:09:15.019 And who made us to image him to the world. 00:09:16.679 --> 00:09:17.699 And yet in the Bible story. 00:09:17.799 --> 00:09:18.659 What Adam and Eve do. 00:09:18.839 --> 00:09:24.240 Is they swap God's light for sin's darkness. 00:09:24.519 --> 00:09:27.459 They turn from life and they turn to death. 00:09:27.779 --> 00:09:29.740 The Bible's word for that is sin. 00:09:30.899 --> 00:09:33.720 It's rejecting God and going our own way. 00:09:36.339 --> 00:09:37.579 And just like the apple. 00:09:37.779 --> 00:09:41.480 We would say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. 00:09:42.720 --> 00:09:44.799 All of us are born into this mess. 00:09:45.659 --> 00:09:48.600 All of us make this decision to turn away from God. 00:09:48.899 --> 00:09:49.720 It's not just sin. 00:09:49.799 --> 00:09:51.379 It's not just the stuff that happens out there. 00:09:51.459 --> 00:09:53.399 Do you not know in your life it's the stuff in here. 00:09:54.519 --> 00:09:56.459 The stuff that rips us apart in here. 00:09:57.620 --> 00:10:02.399 I'm always amazed at my ability to hurt those who I would claim in this world to love the most. 00:10:03.339 --> 00:10:04.779 The stuff that goes on in here. 00:10:04.779 --> 00:10:06.799 The stuff that fractures our relationships. 00:10:07.039 --> 00:10:09.579 And it all stems from the fact that we have rejected our creator. 00:10:11.959 --> 00:10:17.319 And amazingly God the offended party is also the initiating party. 00:10:18.539 --> 00:10:19.899 This God we see in the Bible. 00:10:20.039 --> 00:10:25.139 He commits himself there and then in Genesis 3 to deal with our sin and rebellion. 00:10:26.100 --> 00:10:29.600 He promises that he is going to send somebody to win us back. 00:10:29.600 --> 00:10:32.600 And this person is going to do it through sacrifice. 00:10:34.019 --> 00:10:39.360 And if you're a Jew as the Bible story goes on that there's one day that you're reminded of this more than any other. 00:10:39.360 --> 00:10:48.139 And it's the day that we read about in Leviticus 16 called the day of the atonement. 00:10:48.860 --> 00:10:53.620 You're reminded of your sin and you're reminded of God's faithfulness. 00:10:53.620 --> 00:10:58.840 Where God calls one man the great high priest. 00:10:58.840 --> 00:11:01.799 As he represents all the people. 00:11:03.000 --> 00:11:05.440 And he calls them to go into one place. 00:11:06.100 --> 00:11:08.799 This place where God himself dwells. 00:11:09.799 --> 00:11:13.580 And to get himself ready to go on that one day into that one place. 00:11:13.720 --> 00:11:14.840 He wears linen. 00:11:16.419 --> 00:11:17.399 It's a linen suit. 00:11:17.399 --> 00:11:19.340 Everything that he's wearing is linen. 00:11:19.779 --> 00:11:22.959 And he goes into that one place and he offers two goats. 00:11:23.759 --> 00:11:27.679 One goat is sacrificed in place of the people. 00:11:28.379 --> 00:11:32.039 And the other goat is set free to run into the wilderness. 00:11:32.360 --> 00:11:34.939 Symbolizing the fact that all our sins. 00:11:35.139 --> 00:11:35.959 All our mistakes. 00:11:36.179 --> 00:11:37.039 All our shame. 00:11:37.319 --> 00:11:38.480 Is taken away. 00:11:39.259 --> 00:11:40.139 Is gone. 00:11:40.819 --> 00:11:42.360 Just like that goat is gone. 00:11:44.019 --> 00:11:46.799 And after his work the priest takes off the linen. 00:11:47.939 --> 00:11:49.379 And he leaves it there. 00:11:50.340 --> 00:11:52.000 And he walks out of that tomb. 00:11:53.059 --> 00:11:54.259 As if to say. 00:11:55.340 --> 00:11:56.199 Job done. 00:11:59.059 --> 00:12:01.240 And that was just a warm up act. 00:12:01.939 --> 00:12:02.879 For this. 00:12:04.799 --> 00:12:07.840 As Jesus dies on the cross on the Friday. 00:12:08.059 --> 00:12:11.319 Jesus is as it were the goat who takes your place. 00:12:14.399 --> 00:12:17.299 And he is the animal who took our sin far away. 00:12:17.399 --> 00:12:19.959 And you think to yourself. 00:12:20.039 --> 00:12:21.679 But how do I know that that has worked? 00:12:21.759 --> 00:12:23.559 How do I know that transaction has gone through? 00:12:23.639 --> 00:12:27.819 I say that to the barista every time I buy a coffee and I pay my card. 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:28.620 Has it gone through? 00:12:29.000 --> 00:12:30.299 And we have a little giggle that it did. 00:12:30.299 --> 00:12:34.279 God raising him from the dead. 00:12:34.279 --> 00:12:36.480 That was his rubber stamp. 00:12:36.480 --> 00:12:38.240 It was the seal of approval. 00:12:38.439 --> 00:12:39.120 That yes. 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:41.000 It has gone through. 00:12:41.819 --> 00:12:42.620 My son. 00:12:42.759 --> 00:12:43.659 You have done it. 00:12:43.720 --> 00:12:46.720 The father delights to raise the son. 00:12:48.079 --> 00:12:48.919 My son. 00:12:49.059 --> 00:12:49.879 You have done it. 00:12:50.179 --> 00:12:50.399 Friends. 00:12:50.459 --> 00:12:52.339 If your trust is in this Jesus. 00:12:52.480 --> 00:12:54.179 Look at those linen cloths. 00:12:55.100 --> 00:12:56.720 That he has taken off. 00:12:56.980 --> 00:12:59.740 That he has left in that tomb. 00:12:59.740 --> 00:13:02.019 And know that he has walked out. 00:13:02.419 --> 00:13:07.039 And know that the work of your great high priest is done. 00:13:08.500 --> 00:13:10.480 It is finished. 00:13:11.159 --> 00:13:12.940 The empty tomb tells you. 00:13:13.019 --> 00:13:16.980 It tells me gloriously that something is finished. 00:13:16.980 --> 00:13:20.720 And you will never guess what the second heading is. 00:13:20.940 --> 00:13:22.220 It tells you as well. 00:13:22.960 --> 00:13:23.980 That something has started. 00:13:26.300 --> 00:13:27.279 Mary looks into the tomb. 00:13:27.379 --> 00:13:30.480 Do you see how she sees two angels inside at verse 12. 00:13:31.340 --> 00:13:32.340 And they ask her. 00:13:32.500 --> 00:13:34.800 Why are you crying? 00:13:35.460 --> 00:13:36.860 They have taken my Lord. 00:13:36.960 --> 00:13:37.539 She says. 00:13:37.600 --> 00:13:38.920 Hear the anguish in her voice. 00:13:40.360 --> 00:13:41.700 And she turns around. 00:13:41.820 --> 00:13:43.440 And she sees the risen Jesus. 00:13:44.440 --> 00:13:46.100 In his resurrection body. 00:13:46.100 --> 00:13:47.300 Isn't it incredible. 00:13:47.879 --> 00:13:51.019 That she doesn't recognize his face. 00:13:53.120 --> 00:13:54.000 Verse 15. 00:13:54.139 --> 00:13:55.259 Jesus asks her. 00:13:55.460 --> 00:13:56.540 Why are you weeping? 00:13:56.680 --> 00:13:58.180 Who is it that you're looking for? 00:13:58.399 --> 00:13:59.100 Do you know what I love? 00:13:59.340 --> 00:14:00.920 I love a little bit of slapstick comedy. 00:14:01.080 --> 00:14:02.860 I like to think that's what that is in that scene. 00:14:03.220 --> 00:14:06.259 Because it's not like Jesus didn't know the answer to those questions. 00:14:07.379 --> 00:14:08.879 Who are you looking for? 00:14:09.159 --> 00:14:10.700 Why are you looking for them? 00:14:11.040 --> 00:14:12.800 What is going on here? 00:14:12.800 --> 00:14:13.759 I love this. 00:14:13.759 --> 00:14:17.159 This is Jesus drawing out her heart. 00:14:18.539 --> 00:14:19.620 It's what he does. 00:14:19.720 --> 00:14:20.600 He draws alongside. 00:14:22.659 --> 00:14:24.519 And he draws out her heart. 00:14:25.259 --> 00:14:31.779 To help her see the earth shattering significance of what has just gone on in this moment. 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:36.799 I love that she thinks that he is the gardener. 00:14:37.039 --> 00:14:41.419 Love picturing Jesus holding a set of lopers and wearing a John Deere tractor sweatshirt. 00:14:41.639 --> 00:14:43.459 On one level Mary is so wrong. 00:14:44.679 --> 00:14:46.059 But on another level. 00:14:46.139 --> 00:14:47.720 Whether Mary knew this or not. 00:14:47.839 --> 00:14:52.019 What she thought in this moment was so utterly profound. 00:14:52.019 --> 00:14:58.139 Because the Bible story, humanity's story starts in a garden. 00:14:59.819 --> 00:15:03.079 It's a garden full of abundant and lavish goodness. 00:15:03.079 --> 00:15:06.279 Which tells you a lot about the kind of God who made it. 00:15:07.579 --> 00:15:10.500 God puts Adam and Eve there to work it. 00:15:10.659 --> 00:15:11.759 To enjoy it. 00:15:11.840 --> 00:15:12.679 To develop it. 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:13.519 As stewards. 00:15:13.879 --> 00:15:18.159 All the while knowing that they live in that loving relationship. 00:15:18.159 --> 00:15:21.279 As they're the creature and God is the creator. 00:15:23.059 --> 00:15:26.679 And sin has put humanity out of that garden. 00:15:28.079 --> 00:15:30.100 And so here in John 20. 00:15:31.360 --> 00:15:35.339 Mary is identifying the one who is making a way. 00:15:35.719 --> 00:15:39.600 For there to be a new and a better garden. 00:15:40.419 --> 00:15:42.240 Where mankind and God. 00:15:42.439 --> 00:15:45.399 They live together in glorious harmony. 00:15:45.399 --> 00:15:48.620 And so as Jesus rises. 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:51.439 And as God installs him there. 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:53.600 As heaven's king. 00:15:54.059 --> 00:15:57.279 The one to whom all knees will one day bow. 00:15:57.600 --> 00:16:02.299 What we have to understand is that the sun is rising on a brand new world. 00:16:03.899 --> 00:16:08.799 Where all those who in faith would look to this Jesus as their savior and their king. 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:12.359 Would know life eternal with this great God. 00:16:12.799 --> 00:16:17.879 Both now and then so fully and wonderfully in the new creation. 00:16:20.719 --> 00:16:24.519 The perishable having given way to the imperishable. 00:16:25.079 --> 00:16:27.159 Our bodies subject to death. 00:16:27.559 --> 00:16:31.439 Now replaced forever with a body that is never to see decay. 00:16:32.039 --> 00:16:34.199 As Jesus walks out of that tomb. 00:16:34.359 --> 00:16:37.699 He is doing more than just pulling off a neat trick. 00:16:37.700 --> 00:16:42.500 Jesus as it were was putting the curse of sin. 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:45.560 And the inevitable destination of death. 00:16:45.640 --> 00:16:47.660 He was putting it into reverse gear. 00:16:49.660 --> 00:16:53.820 He was bringing in the dawn of a new age. 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:56.480 What we have to picture. 00:16:57.040 --> 00:17:00.020 Is it's almost as if when Jesus walks out that tomb. 00:17:00.140 --> 00:17:01.120 He takes a rope. 00:17:01.580 --> 00:17:03.920 And he throws it back into the tomb. 00:17:03.919 --> 00:17:06.720 And he says to all of creation. 00:17:07.039 --> 00:17:09.720 And to all those who would trust him and have faith in him. 00:17:09.859 --> 00:17:10.579 Take hold. 00:17:11.059 --> 00:17:13.899 Because one day you're coming out with me. 00:17:16.139 --> 00:17:19.539 You see creation at the moment is like a full piece orchestra. 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:22.539 It's all set up. 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:24.039 Ready to play. 00:17:24.139 --> 00:17:26.599 But it's sitting there in a darkened hall. 00:17:26.940 --> 00:17:27.960 Gathering dust. 00:17:27.960 --> 00:17:29.579 But on that day. 00:17:30.360 --> 00:17:32.480 It will gloriously play. 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:36.279 Similarly our bodies right now. 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:37.120 Death and decay. 00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:37.920 But then. 00:17:38.559 --> 00:17:41.980 They will be transformed to be like his glorious body. 00:17:42.259 --> 00:17:43.559 Never to see decay. 00:17:43.960 --> 00:17:44.640 And in that sense. 00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:46.600 Do you see how Mary was bang on the money? 00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:49.680 Jesus is the gardener. 00:17:49.940 --> 00:17:50.940 Par excellence. 00:17:50.940 --> 00:17:51.380 Par excellence. 00:17:52.380 --> 00:17:53.920 And so truly verse 1. 00:17:54.100 --> 00:17:55.759 Here is the sun rising. 00:17:56.880 --> 00:17:58.480 On a new day of the week. 00:17:59.160 --> 00:18:00.420 The first day of the week. 00:18:01.559 --> 00:18:04.500 And so finally Jesus reveals himself to Mary. 00:18:04.620 --> 00:18:08.720 Do you notice how Jesus draws Mary out? 00:18:08.940 --> 00:18:09.700 This is wonderful. 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:11.259 See what Jesus calls her. 00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:12.180 He doesn't go casual. 00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:13.420 He doesn't go generic. 00:18:13.420 --> 00:18:15.420 He goes personal. 00:18:16.360 --> 00:18:16.880 Do you see it? 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:18.920 He says Mary. 00:18:18.920 --> 00:18:23.080 Here is the good shepherd in action. 00:18:24.120 --> 00:18:27.420 The one who knows and who calls each of his people. 00:18:27.660 --> 00:18:29.220 Each of his sheep by name. 00:18:29.620 --> 00:18:31.580 And so contained in this one word. 00:18:31.960 --> 00:18:33.800 This one greeting Mary. 00:18:34.960 --> 00:18:36.720 It's packed full of significance. 00:18:36.980 --> 00:18:39.360 Here is Jesus saying Mary my child. 00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:40.940 I'm here. 00:18:42.080 --> 00:18:43.060 Take heart. 00:18:44.060 --> 00:18:45.220 Be comforted. 00:18:45.820 --> 00:18:48.480 Because your life is now in my hands. 00:18:48.920 --> 00:18:52.620 And see while Mary doesn't recognize his face. 00:18:52.700 --> 00:18:55.779 To see how she recognizes his voice. 00:18:56.560 --> 00:18:59.220 And see how Jesus welcomes Mary in. 00:19:00.620 --> 00:19:04.019 Her life might look insignificant in so many ways. 00:19:05.680 --> 00:19:07.960 But Jesus wants her to grasp the truth. 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:11.240 That because of him she is now part of something truly magnificent. 00:19:12.660 --> 00:19:13.920 That he is doing. 00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:16.279 Across the world. 00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:17.519 Down the ages. 00:19:17.820 --> 00:19:18.820 Do you see verse 17? 00:19:18.819 --> 00:19:20.500 He says Jesus says. 00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:23.500 Explains to her that he is going to ascend to his father. 00:19:23.659 --> 00:19:24.179 And to who? 00:19:25.099 --> 00:19:25.919 Her father. 00:19:27.740 --> 00:19:28.899 To his God. 00:19:29.000 --> 00:19:29.519 And to who? 00:19:30.279 --> 00:19:30.960 Her God. 00:19:31.379 --> 00:19:33.960 So Mary once a stranger to God. 00:19:34.659 --> 00:19:38.399 Is now invited to come and to know her creator. 00:19:39.879 --> 00:19:41.039 As father. 00:19:41.039 --> 00:19:46.019 Mary is now part of this new global family of faith. 00:19:46.019 --> 00:19:48.940 As Jesus gathers for himself through the ages. 00:19:48.940 --> 00:19:51.720 A people from all corners of the earth. 00:19:52.220 --> 00:19:54.139 A people from every tribe. 00:19:54.859 --> 00:19:55.700 Every tongue. 00:19:56.319 --> 00:19:57.159 Every nation. 00:19:57.599 --> 00:19:58.359 Brought together. 00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.799 To have one voice. 00:19:59.879 --> 00:20:00.980 To be his church. 00:20:01.480 --> 00:20:04.079 Do you not find it amazing that all these years later. 00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:07.180 That we've even heard of Jesus. 00:20:07.180 --> 00:20:07.380 Jesus. 00:20:09.500 --> 00:20:10.980 Here's GK Chesterton. 00:20:11.700 --> 00:20:15.200 Christianity has died many times and risen again. 00:20:16.200 --> 00:20:18.900 For it had a God who knew the way out of the grave. 00:20:18.900 --> 00:20:23.519 And notice just lastly how Mary. 00:20:24.019 --> 00:20:25.600 Jesus sends Mary on. 00:20:26.960 --> 00:20:27.560 And it really is. 00:20:27.600 --> 00:20:29.660 It's a turn up for the books that Mary is a witness. 00:20:29.900 --> 00:20:31.860 To the first witness to the risen Jesus. 00:20:32.640 --> 00:20:34.140 That really is a surprise. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:36.900 But then again. 00:20:37.420 --> 00:20:38.780 This is the God of the Bible. 00:20:38.940 --> 00:20:41.220 He is in the business of lifting up the humble. 00:20:41.360 --> 00:20:42.600 And casting down the proud. 00:20:42.599 --> 00:20:48.399 Of using the weak and the seemingly insignificant things of this world. 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:49.500 To shame the strong. 00:20:51.219 --> 00:20:54.839 And so the God who chose shepherds. 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:59.319 To be the first messengers of the news about the birth of his son. 00:21:00.679 --> 00:21:02.399 He chooses this Mary. 00:21:02.980 --> 00:21:07.519 To be the first herald of the news about his risen son. 00:21:08.579 --> 00:21:09.799 And she runs. 00:21:09.919 --> 00:21:10.819 And boy does she run. 00:21:10.819 --> 00:21:14.299 And proclaims the theme that's been the anthem of the church down the ages. 00:21:14.579 --> 00:21:17.379 And it's the one that fuels Christian mission. 00:21:17.839 --> 00:21:18.879 Across the globe. 00:21:19.319 --> 00:21:20.159 And it's this. 00:21:20.679 --> 00:21:22.019 That Christ is risen. 00:21:22.939 --> 00:21:24.159 He is risen indeed. 00:21:26.319 --> 00:21:29.960 You know is there anything that if I learned it was false. 00:21:30.099 --> 00:21:30.700 It wasn't true. 00:21:30.799 --> 00:21:32.759 Would cause me to give up following Jesus. 00:21:34.659 --> 00:21:35.939 This undoubtedly would. 00:21:37.679 --> 00:21:39.359 But let me just tell you just as we close. 00:21:39.460 --> 00:21:40.759 Why this really really matters. 00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:45.119 Can I tell you about one of the things that made me chuckle a lot last year? 00:21:47.279 --> 00:21:47.899 Here it is. 00:21:47.960 --> 00:21:49.279 The most famous. 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:54.039 One of the most famous men the world has ever known. 00:21:54.779 --> 00:21:56.839 One of the biggest brains this world has ever known. 00:21:56.919 --> 00:21:57.939 A man called Stephen Hawking. 00:21:58.019 --> 00:21:59.919 He said this about life after death. 00:22:00.019 --> 00:22:00.519 He said. 00:22:01.639 --> 00:22:04.720 There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers. 00:22:04.720 --> 00:22:07.920 That is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark. 00:22:08.360 --> 00:22:09.660 And you think to yourself cheery. 00:22:09.660 --> 00:22:12.880 But that's certainly one way isn't it? 00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:16.740 Of trying to rationalise what goes on at the end of life. 00:22:16.740 --> 00:22:17.460 Of life. 00:22:18.319 --> 00:22:19.099 But I love this. 00:22:19.160 --> 00:22:22.299 Writing the foreword in his Stephen Hawking's biography. 00:22:22.700 --> 00:22:24.079 A guy called Eddie Redmayne. 00:22:25.120 --> 00:22:26.220 He's one of my favourite actors. 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:30.180 The actor who played Stephen Hawking in the film about his life. 00:22:30.319 --> 00:22:31.160 A theory of everything. 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:33.519 Which is a really good watch if you're looking for something to watch tonight. 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:38.460 Eddie Redmayne spent months and months studying the life of Stephen Hawking. 00:22:38.559 --> 00:22:39.740 Trying to get his mannerisms. 00:22:39.859 --> 00:22:41.000 Trying to get everything right. 00:22:41.119 --> 00:22:42.500 Just to play him in that part. 00:22:42.960 --> 00:22:47.119 And so he was asked to write the foreword to Stephen Hawking's biography. 00:22:47.259 --> 00:22:47.900 And he wrote this. 00:22:48.099 --> 00:22:48.500 He said. 00:22:48.559 --> 00:22:50.740 I hope Stephen is having fun up there. 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:52.920 Among the stars. 00:22:53.420 --> 00:22:54.539 And you think to yourself. 00:22:55.059 --> 00:22:55.460 Eddie. 00:22:55.480 --> 00:22:56.900 I don't think you knew Stephen at all. 00:22:58.799 --> 00:23:00.420 But I don't think you believe that. 00:23:00.519 --> 00:23:02.519 I certainly don't think Stephen Hawking believed that. 00:23:03.519 --> 00:23:05.099 But it's really interesting isn't it? 00:23:05.099 --> 00:23:06.400 As we think about death. 00:23:06.559 --> 00:23:09.359 As we think about trying to make peace. 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:12.480 With what goes on after this life. 00:23:12.819 --> 00:23:16.539 It doesn't matter how many times you sing Circle of Life by Elton John. 00:23:16.639 --> 00:23:17.720 And it's a cracking song. 00:23:18.200 --> 00:23:19.500 As we try and make sense of it. 00:23:19.559 --> 00:23:20.539 The fact that life. 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:21.980 As we pause to think about it. 00:23:22.019 --> 00:23:23.220 Is like a game of monopoly. 00:23:23.420 --> 00:23:24.339 That at the end of the game. 00:23:24.420 --> 00:23:26.000 All the pieces go back in the box. 00:23:26.299 --> 00:23:27.500 As we spend ourselves. 00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:29.759 Trying to make sense of what this life is all about. 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:31.980 Something in us deep down. 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:34.220 And can't live with the full stop of the funeral. 00:23:36.360 --> 00:23:38.779 You know there's a book in the Bible called Ecclesiastes. 00:23:39.019 --> 00:23:40.740 And it's got this wonderful verse in it. 00:23:40.980 --> 00:23:44.680 That says God has put eternity into each and every human heart. 00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:50.480 Which means that we were made to live for so much more. 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:54.400 And this gives you the answer. 00:23:54.860 --> 00:23:56.799 To life's biggest question. 00:23:57.640 --> 00:23:59.440 What happens after we die? 00:24:00.180 --> 00:24:02.059 Is there more to life in this? 00:24:03.299 --> 00:24:04.039 Is history just. 00:24:04.500 --> 00:24:07.980 And our world just plunging to an inevitable decay and death? 00:24:07.980 --> 00:24:13.700 Will this crucified and risen Jesus as he steps out of the tomb. 00:24:14.980 --> 00:24:18.059 Hear him say to you that as scary as life gets. 00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:21.559 And as painful as it might be. 00:24:23.259 --> 00:24:24.400 Know that I live. 00:24:25.680 --> 00:24:28.140 And know that because of your faith in me. 00:24:28.500 --> 00:24:29.680 Know that my victory. 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:32.240 I share with you. 00:24:33.320 --> 00:24:35.600 This is the son of God who loved us. 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:38.539 And who gave himself for us. 00:24:39.500 --> 00:24:40.680 And listen maybe you're here today. 00:24:40.880 --> 00:24:43.299 And I don't know what you think about this. 00:24:43.420 --> 00:24:43.960 Or what not. 00:24:44.240 --> 00:24:46.720 But if you want to investigate it. 00:24:47.140 --> 00:24:49.740 Can I just say there is no greater thing to do with your time. 00:24:50.700 --> 00:24:53.339 Maybe even this morning is a morning where you think. 00:24:53.420 --> 00:24:54.180 No this Jesus. 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:56.700 I want to put my faith in him. 00:24:57.900 --> 00:24:59.759 I just want to leave space for that this morning. 00:24:59.940 --> 00:25:00.980 So we're going to pray in a minute. 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:02.539 But I want you to respond. 00:25:03.839 --> 00:25:06.339 However God is prompting you to respond. 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:10.319 Let's take great heart in the risen Jesus. 00:25:11.359 --> 00:25:12.799 Because there is no greater thing. 00:25:12.799 --> 00:25:14.359 It really does that first song. 00:25:14.420 --> 00:25:16.180 That's why Christians have sang that down the ages. 00:25:16.599 --> 00:25:17.779 Life is worth the living. 00:25:18.019 --> 00:25:19.680 Just because healing. 00:25:20.279 --> 00:25:21.120 So why don't we pray. 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:22.359 Let's just have a moment of silence. 00:25:22.660 --> 00:25:24.519 And then I'll lead us in prayer. 00:25:24.620 --> 00:25:25.319 And we're going to stand. 00:25:25.420 --> 00:25:27.480 And we're going to sing a couple of songs. 00:25:27.559 --> 00:25:28.400 Just as we close. 00:25:32.920 --> 00:25:34.819 So Father we thank you for today. 00:25:36.420 --> 00:25:40.220 And even as we journey through the uncertainty of this life. 00:25:41.900 --> 00:25:44.819 Thank you that we look at the crucified. 00:25:45.200 --> 00:25:47.779 Risen and one day returning Jesus. 00:25:47.779 --> 00:25:51.099 And our lives have meaning. 00:25:51.700 --> 00:25:53.000 And they have hope. 00:25:54.839 --> 00:25:57.500 Help us to look to him today. 00:25:58.379 --> 00:26:00.839 Whatever is going on in our hearts and our minds. 00:26:00.980 --> 00:26:03.500 Father thank you that nothing is hidden from your sight. 00:26:04.619 --> 00:26:06.119 Lord I pray even today. 00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:09.819 That for someone today would be the day of salvation. 00:26:10.660 --> 00:26:13.960 That today would be the day when they put their trust in the one. 00:26:13.960 --> 00:26:15.420 Who died for them. 00:26:15.420 --> 00:26:17.259 And who walked out the tomb. 00:26:17.400 --> 00:26:18.880 That they might have newness of life. 00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:22.500 Lord we thank you for Jesus. 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:25.819 Help us we pray to look to him. 00:26:26.559 --> 00:26:28.500 And we pray these things in his name. 00:26:29.620 --> 00:26:30.079 Amen.