Replanting Eden (John 19:41-20:22)

Sermon Follow Up

***Skip to the bottom for the Family Edit***

Summary

This Easter we saw that John tells the resurrection story as a new creation story. The Bible’s story begins in a garden. Humanity falls in a garden. And in Christ, the world begins again in a garden. Jesus is the true Gardener, replanting Eden and bringing life where death once ruled. But that life does not remain in the garden. By evening it enters the locked house of fearful disciples. Then it leaves that house and begins to transform the world. The risen Christ still breathes life into His people so that we might carry His life into dark places.

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. The garden theme

John wants us to see that God returned to the place where everything went wrong, in order to make it right. The site of ruin becomes the site of renewal.

Where in your life do you most need to believe that God can make the site of ruin into the site of renewal?

2. Little Easters

There are supposed to be “little Easters” all over the Christian life as the pattern of Jesus’ life becomes the pattern of our own—death and resurrection.

What needs to die in you so that something new can live?

3. Mission

In John 20 the risen Christ says, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

Where has Christ placed you this week as a carrier of resurrection life?

Family Friendly

Ask: Was Mary right or wrong when she thought that Jesus was a gardener?

Talk together about how Jesus is making the world new again—planting love, joy, and peace in a world where death, hate, and despair have long grown.

Ask each child: What is one place where you want Jesus to bring life this week?

A strained relationship with a sibling?

A regularly repeated sin?

Then pray together that Jesus would help your family see little Easters everywhere as you obey Jesus together.