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Easter Sunday 2025
Sermon Summary
Kristie's sermon reminds us that Jesus calls our name, brings light into our darkness, accompanies us through doubt and transformation, and offers salvation as our door of hope for a new life with Him.
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In the story of Mary Magdalene, we find a profound illustration of moving from darkness to light through the presence of Jesus. Mary, once tormented by demons, found healing and light in Jesus. Yet, after His crucifixion, she experienced darkness again. Her story is a testament to the power of waiting and serving in faith, even when the light seems to have dimmed. As she stood outside the empty tomb, her encounter with the risen Christ transformed her despair into joy. Jesus called her by name, and in that moment, she recognised Him, realising that her salvation was not just a past event but a present and future reality.
This narrative invites us to see our own lives through the lens of resurrection and hope. Jesus' resurrection is not just a historical event but a present reality that invites us into a new life. His words to Mary, "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God," signify a new familial relationship with God, made possible through Christ. This relationship is not just for Mary but for all who believe, as Jesus calls each of us by name, offering us salvation and a new creation life.
The journey of the disciples on the road to Emmaus further illustrates how Jesus accompanies us in our doubts and confusion. Even when we are unaware of His presence, He walks with us, revealing Himself in the breaking of bread and the burning of our hearts. Similarly, Thomas's encounter with the risen Christ shows us that Jesus meets us in our doubts, inviting us to believe and find peace in His presence.
Peter's restoration on the beach, where Jesus asks him three times if he loves Him, mirrors our own journey of transformation. Jesus' call to "feed my sheep" is a reminder that our salvation is not just for ourselves but for the service of others. Jesus' post-resurrection appearances demonstrate that His work was not finished at the cross; it continues as He accompanies us through the Holy Spirit, transforming us into His likeness.
Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Being Called by Name: Just as Jesus called Mary by name, He calls each of us personally, inviting us into a relationship with Him. This personal call is a reminder of our unique identity in Christ and His intimate knowledge of us.
2. Waiting in the Darkness: Mary Magdalene's story teaches us the importance of waiting and serving in faith, even when we feel lost or in darkness. Our hope is in the resurrection, where light breaks through the darkest moments.
3. Accompanied in Doubt: Jesus' encounter with Thomas shows us that He meets us in our doubts and disbelief, offering peace and assurance. Our faith journey is not about having all the answers but trusting in the One who does.
4. Transformation Through Love: Peter's restoration highlights the transformative power of Jesus' love and forgiveness. Our past mistakes do not define us; instead, Jesus calls us to a life of service and love.
5. Living in the Light of Resurrection: The resurrection is not just an event to be celebrated but a reality to be lived. Jesus accompanies us through the Holy Spirit, guiding us in our daily lives and shaping us into His image.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: The Personal Call of Jesus
Scriptures:
John 20:15-16
'“Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”). '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
John 10:2-4
'The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JHN.10.2-4
Devotional:
Jesus calls us by name, inviting us into a personal and transformative relationship with Him. This call is not just a general invitation but a specific and intimate acknowledgment of who we are in Christ. Mary Magdalene's experience at the tomb illustrates this beautifully. In her moment of despair, Jesus called her by name, and her eyes were opened to His presence and the reality of His resurrection. This personal call is a reminder of our unique identity in Christ and His intimate knowledge of us. It is an invitation to step into a relationship that is both personal and communal, as we are called to be part of God's family.
Reflection:
Think of a time when you felt God calling you personally.
How did you respond, and how can you be more attentive to His voice today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me by name. May I hear Your voice clearly and respond with my open heart. Let Your call bring me life and hope today. Amen
Day 2: Faithful Waiting in Darkness
Scripture:
Psalm 27:13-14
'I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.'
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PSA.27.13-14
Devotional:
Mary Magdalene's story teaches us the importance of waiting and serving in faith, even when we feel lost or in darkness. After Jesus' crucifixion, Mary experienced a profound sense of loss and confusion. Yet, she remained at the tomb, waiting and seeking. Her faithfulness was rewarded when she encountered the risen Christ. This narrative encourages us to hold onto hope and continue serving, even when the light seems to have dimmed. Through the darkest moments, we are reminded that God is always at work, even when we cannot see it.
Reflection:
In what areas of your life do I feel like you are waiting in darkness?
How can you actively serve and remain faithful during this time?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, in times when darkness surrounds me, be my light. Help me to wait patiently and trust in Your perfect timing. Shine Your light into my heart and guide me through every dark moment. Amen.
Day 3: Embracing Doubt with Faith
Scriptures:
Jude 1:22
'Be merciful to those who doubt; '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JUD.1.22
John 20:27
'Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Jesus' encounter with Thomas shows that He meets us in our doubts and disbelief, offering peace and assurance. Thomas, often remembered as "Doubting Thomas," needed to see and touch Jesus' wounds to believe in His resurrection. Jesus did not rebuke him for his doubt but instead invited him to believe. This story reassures us that our faith journey is not about having all the answers but trusting in the One who does. Jesus accompanies us in our doubts, revealing Himself in ways that strengthens our faith bringing us peace.
Reflection:
What doubts or questions do you currently have about your faith?
How can you bring these to Jesus and seek His peace and assurance?
Prayer:
Jesus, in my moments of doubt, come and stand with me. Strengthen my faith and help me believe in Your truth. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen.
Day 4: Living in the Light of Resurrection
Scripture:
Colossians 3:1-3
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/COL.3.1-3
Devotional:
The resurrection is not just an event to be celebrated but a reality to be lived. Jesus' post-resurrection appearances demonstrate that His work was not finished at the cross; it continues as He accompanies us through the Holy Spirit, transforming us into His likeness. This ongoing presence of Jesus in our lives invites us to live in the light of His resurrection, allowing His Spirit to guide us in our daily lives. From this we can learn to embrace the new creation life and strive to live in a way that reveals His love and grace to others.
Reflection:
How can you live out the reality of the resurrection in your daily life?
What specific actions can you take to reflect Christ's love and grace to those around you?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus and for the promise of new life through His resurrection. May Your Spirit guide me, correct me, and fill me with love so that I may reflect Your glory to others each day. Amen
Day 5: Dwelling in the Spirit’s Accompaniment
Scripture:
Romans 8:11
'And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ROM.8.11
Devotional:
After Jesus’ resurrection Mary and the disciples were gifted with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit—a constant Companion, Counsellor, and Comforter. This gift is also given to us if we believe. The Holy Spirit is not a distant guide but One who walks with us, dwells within us, and whispers truth into our hearts in every moment. To dwell in His accompaniment is to move through life aware of His nearness. It's pausing to listen when the noise of the world grows loud. It's sensing His peace when anxiety creeps in. It's trusting His direction even when the path ahead is unclear.
This teaches us that we don’t have to strive in our own strength. The Spirit’s presence is not earned; it’s received. And in receiving, we rest. He is with us in the stillness, in the chaos, in the ordinary moments. Our role is not to control the journey, but to stay near to the One who walks it with us.
Reflection:
Take a moment now to quiet your heart. Invite the Spirit to reveal how He is accompanying you today.
Listen for His gentle whisper and trust that He is with you, guiding you into new life and hope.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Spirit to walk with me. Help me to dwell in Your Spirit’s accompaniment each day, recognising Your presence in my doubts, joys, and everyday moments. Thank you that Your Spirit is a constant Companion, Counsellor, and Comforter. May I be attentive to Your voice and obedient to Your leading. Fill me with Your peace and love, that I might reflect Your light to others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Day 6: Transformation Through Love and Forgiveness
Scriptures:
John 21:15-17
'After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? ” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Galatians 5:13
'You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/GAL.5.13
Devotional:
Peter's restoration highlights the transformative power of Jesus' love and forgiveness. After denying Jesus three times, Peter was given the opportunity to affirm his love for Jesus three times. This act of restoration shows that our past mistakes do not define us; instead, Jesus calls us to a life of service and love. His question to Peter, "Do you love me?" is a call to action, reminding us that our salvation is not just for ourselves but for the service to others as well. This teaches us that Jesus' love transforms, and gives freedom, enabling us to extend His love and forgiveness to those around us.
Reflection:
Is there someone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from?
How can you take a step towards reconciliation, service and love today?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for walking with me as I am being transformed. Help me to love You more and forgive others as You forgive me. Teach me to serve others faithfully, reflecting Your love and grace. Amen
Day 7: Responding to the Good News of Jesus
Scriptures:
John 20:29
'Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JHN.20.29
Luke 24:5-6
'As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognising him. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/LUK.24.15-16
Devotional:
This is the Good News— Jesus is always walking with us, even when we don’t recognise Him right away. No matter where we've been or what darkness we've faced, Jesus calls us by name and offers us a fresh start. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, He accompanies us in our doubts, our fears, and our uncertainties. His presence in our lives will transform us and His love and salvation is available to us today. We are a new creation in Christ!
Reflection:
Are you walking with Jesus through your doubts, fears, and the everyday challenges you face?
Do I trust that He can transform even the deepest darkness in your life, into hope and new beginnings?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to open my eyes and heart to see You, to hear You calling me by name, and to know that Your love is always with me. May Your Holy Spirit remind me of Your constant presence, so I can walk confidently in Your light. Amen
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