Growing Deeply

Sunday Sermon

a daily scripture guide

Week of March 28 April 2

MONDAY: John 20:110 Still dark

REFLECTION: While it was still dark the resurrection had taken place. Its so easy to
be caught up in all-or-nothing kind of thinking. Even while its dark, light, new life,
or breakthrough can be happening.
PRAYER: While the lights seem to be out, I am reminded that you can still be at
work creating something new: new mindset, new heart or new behavior.
TUESDAY: John 20:110 One looked, one went in
REFLECTION: Where do you stand in relation to the resurrection? Perhaps you are an
onlooker, curious or skeptical of Jesus. Maybe you, like Peter, engage and step into
the tomb to experience what has happened. The onlooker and the engager both
were disciples of Jesus. Both disciples did enter the tomb and believed. Honor your
journey to resurrection.
PRAYER: The resurrection is hard to understand and explain but I am here; with my
level of clarity and curiousity I am here, Lord. I pray to experience the hope that
resurrection promises in this life and the next.
WEDNESDAY: John 20:110 Linens: from the tomb to the table
REFLECTION: The linens that wrapped Jesuss body were fine quality. The linens
make a symbolic appearance in the life of church when it celebrates communion.
The table is donned with linens. The bread and cup are typically covered with linen
napkins. The table reminds us of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
PRAYER: Be present at my table, Lord.

Easter - March 27
Scripture: John 20:110 (NRSV)

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to
the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and
went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said
to them, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where
they have laid him. Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward
the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and
reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying
there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into
the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on
Jesus head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself.
Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and
believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from
the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

My Notes:

THURSDAY: Luke 24:3650 Shared experience

REFLECTION: Have you ever had an experience so awesome or awful that you are
grateful that you didnt go through it alone? Just imagine if only one disciple had
seen the risen Jesus. Who would believe him? There is power in shared experiences.
REFLECTION: With whom am I experiencing life? Faith? Christ?
FRIDAY: Luke 24:3650 Joy and disbelief?
REFLECTION: The disciples experienced joy and wanted to believe that Jesus was
risen and was with them, and at the same time they were still unsure. In what ways
can you relate to the disciples emotions?
PRAYER: Free me to live in joyjoy in my faith and also uncertainty.
SATURDAY: Luke 24:3650 Waiting together
REFLECTION: Jesus instructs the disciples to wait together in the upper room for
the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. Again, the disciple community is together for a
shared experience. Life is much better when we do it together. We also go further
(sometimes faster) when in community than when we go it alone.
PRAYER: Thank you Jesus for community, family and friends that journey with me.
Thank you for those I get to support. Forgive me for trying to go it alone.
Read or subscribe to the full weekly Growing Deeply Guide at moumc.org/grow
Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.

Read or subscribe to the full weekly

Growing Deeply Guide at moumc.org/grow
Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.