The Risen Jesus
Good morning Immanuel. Let’s never settle for an idea about Jesus when we can have Jesus himself!
“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 laying 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.
MONDAY MEMO - APRIL 10, 2023
What: Young Professionals Fellowship
When: Every third Thursday, beginning April 20th, from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Where: Immanuel Nashville 4301 Charlotte Avenue Nashville, TN 37209
“Let’s never settle for an idea about Jesus when we can have Jesus himself—risen, living, and life-giving!”
Yes Lord, may we NEVER settle for an idea of who you are but draw close to You and walk with You in Resurrection power - the days are getting darker and we have to share this new life with others - seal Your love on those who came to know You for the first time yesterday may Your light shine bright in them today at home, work or school - we are excited for new family members in Jesus Name Amen
Yes!