The Shortest Sermon In The Bible + Midweek Update!
Good morning Immanuel. With one word spoken—a name—despair turns to hope!
“Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (John 20:16)”
What we have here in verse 16 is the shortest sermon in the Bible. Just one word. And yet it’s the heart and goal of every sermon preached in the name of Christ. Namely, that Jesus Christ himself, as only He can, would speak directly to our hearts of His love.
And notice how Jesus sets up the moment. He doesn’t go right in with “Mary.” He gets her attention. He asks a few questions. He sets the stage. One of the notable things about Jesus is that He’s never in a hurry. He doesn’t have to be. He’s the sovereign God! He doesn’t get in a hurry with Mary, and He’s not in a hurry with you. She who has wept through the night, who has lingered long at the tomb, will have her moment with the Son!
I doubt whether there’s a more poignant moment in the entire NT than this one. With one word spoken—a name—despair turns to hope! “Mary!” And hope in kind responds, “Rabboni!”
And you will notice in the parentheses of verse 16 that rather than translate Mary’s reply into common first-century Greek, John has taken extra care to keep Mary’s reply in its original Aramaic form. Why? Because what we’re seeing here is a moment of personal awakening to the risen Jesus! Faith is being reborn — and human reality as we know it is being reborn too!
Before that one word, “Mary,” the narrative of a dead Jesus prevailed. But with that “Mary,” we went from B.C. to A.D. — ano domini — “the year of our Lord”! And there is a BC to AD moment in the life of all who follow Jesus—a moment of personal discovery—or rather, of having been discovered by the realest Person!
This excerpt was taken from a sermon preached by Pastor TJ Tims on April 9, 2023, at Immanuel Nashville.
April 12, 2023 - Immanuel At a Glance
Celebrating Sunday
SUNDAY SERMON - Listen to Pastor TJ’s Easter sermon here!
SIDEBAR SEASON - Catch the latest Sidebar, where Pastor TJ talks about the resurrection of Jesus here!
NEW ALBUM - We were happy to announce the release of the extraordinary "Volume Two (Live): Hymns" by Immanuel Worship this past Friday. Grab your free copy at Immanuel, or listen wherever you stream music!
Things To Know
WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Join us tonight as we continue our study time in the book of Acts!
ONLINE PRAYER - Every week, Jenn Ross, one of our Discipleship Groups leaders, facilitates two online prayer meetings that everyone is welcome to join. Join us every Thursday afternoon from 12:00-12:45 pm, or every Sunday morning from 7:30-8:00 am.
INFANT BAPTISM & CHID DEDICATION SEMINAR - Interested in baptizing or dedicating your baby at Immanuel? Sign up to participate in our next parent seminar on Wednesday, April 19th at 6:30pm. This seminar will be hosted in person at Immanuel.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS FELLOWSHIP!
Date: Every third Thursday of the month, starting April 20th
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
You’re invited! Connect with fellow young professionals at Immanuel and explore how the gospel relates to this unique stage of life! Join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and meaningful conversations. Food will be provided, and we kindly suggest tip-jar donations to help cover the costs. Don't forget to invite your co-workers and young professional friends to join in on the fun! Keep an eye out for RSVP information coming soon. We can't wait to see you there!
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