Little Falls Chapel Easter Sermon
By Pastor Linda Reese
This sermon focuses on the events leading up to Easter Sunday and the three essential questions that Mary Magdalene faced, which we must also answer today.
The Last Supper
- Jesus and his disciples celebrate the Passover feast, which commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt.
- During the supper, Jesus predicts his betrayal and institutes the practice of communion with bread representing his body and wine symbolizing his blood.
Garden of Gethsemane
- After the Last Supper, Jesus retreats to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.
- He expresses his anguish and asks God to take away the suffering he is about to endure.
- He finds his disciples asleep and urges them to pray to avoid temptation.
- Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, leading to his arrest.
Betrayal and Crucifixion
- Jesus is arrested, stripped, mocked, and crowned with thorns.
- He is crucified alongside two thieves.
- His body is removed from the cross and placed in a new tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea.
The Resurrection
- On the first Easter Sunday, Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb.
- She encounters angels and Jesus, who she initially mistakes for a gardener.
- Jesus instructs Mary to tell the disciples that he has risen.
The Three Questions
- Why are you crying?
- Mary’s tears reflect her grief and confusion.
- Jesus asks this question out of compassion, inviting us to be honest about our pain and suffering.
- For whom or what are you seeking?
- Mary’s response reveals her deep love for Jesus.
- Jesus knows our names and deepest desires. We must prioritize our relationship with him above worldly pursuits.
- Will you fall before Jesus as your Living Lord?
- Mary recognizes Jesus and worships him.
- We must declare Jesus as our master and surrender our lives to him.
Conclusion
The good news of Easter is that Jesus has overcome death and offers us eternal life. We must believe in him, confess our sins, and accept him as our Living Lord. The ultimate question is: are you ready to meet Jesus?