The Daily + Tonight & Immanuel
Encouragement for the day and midweek updates!
“Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher) (John 20:14-16).
Have you ever been someplace far away and bumped into someone from home that you didn’t expect to see? There’s that weird moment of double-take when you think, “Wait, I know you. But you’re not supposed to be here.” Mary is having a moment like that. But even more so! Because the Jesus she bumps into is not the Jesus she believes in. She’s looking for a dead Jesus, because that’s the only Jesus she believes in. She’s looking for a lying Jesus, not a standing Jesus! But in her searching for a dead Jesus, she finds instead the risen Jesus, because that’s the only Jesus there is!
Many of us here can testify to this reality! We began with mere facts about the historical Jesus. But somewhere in our searching, we bumped into the real Person. Not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. We knew somehow, He’s present with me. He sees me. He calls to me! I’m grateful for all the interest in Jesus in the world today—for the movies, and the books, and the realization by many academics that the values we love best in the modern world were given to us by Jesus. But if we settle for merely knowing ABOUT Jesus, then we’ve missed the point! “I have written these things,” says John, “that by believing you may have life in his name!!!” Let’s never settle for an idea about Jesus when we can have Jesus himself—risen, living, and life-giving!
This excerpt was taken from a sermon preached by Pastor TJ Tims on April 9, 2023, at Immanuel Nashville.
TONIGHT - “Friendship” in the Sadler Chapel!
Adults - Join us tonight at 6:30 pm in the SADLER CHAPEL as pastor Sam Allberry continues our Wednesday Nights at Immanuel, exploring the Biblical theme of friendship. Please come to Sadler from the steps on 44th Avenue. Wheel chair access to Sadler is available via ramp off Park Avenue. All are welcome!
City Groups - Students are encouraged to join us tonight in the gym for City Groups! Doors open at 6 PM, Bible study starts at 6:45 PM, and will wrap up by 7:45 PM.
iKids Midweek - Wednesday night classes are open for ages two and up. We would love to have your kids join us for Bible study and scripture memorization tonight from 6:15-7:30 pm!