MARY’S STORY… JOHN 20:1-18 MSG

Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, “Rabboni. ” meaning “Teacher Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” meaning “Teacher!” 17Jesus said, “Don’t cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. John 20:16-17 MSG

Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I ascend to my Father and your Father, my God and your God.’” 8Mary Magdalene went, telling the news to the disciples: “I saw the Master!” And she told them everything he said to her. John 20: 17-18 MSG

THOMAS’ STORY… JOHN 20: 19-29 MSG

“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you. Trust me “Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. 2There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? 3And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. John 14:1-3 MSG

4And you already know the road I’m taking 4And you already know the road I’m taking.” 5Thomas said, “Master, we have no idea where you’re going. How do you expect us to know the road?” 6Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. 7If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him. You’ve even seen him!” John 14:1-3 MSG

“Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.” John 20:25 MSG

26Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room 26Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” 27Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.” John 20:26-27 MSG

Thomas said, “My Master! My God!” John 20:28 MSG

BENEDICTION James: When we experience Good Friday Storms… All: Remind us that we are Easter people. James: When we wallow in our Good Friday sorrows… All: Remind us that Sunday has come.

James: When we hang on to our old Good Friday ways… All: Remind us that you brought the Son out. EMPOWER US… today, through your Risen Son to live like Easter people.

ENCOURAGE US… today, to experience You in the lives of Your people. ENGAGE US… today, in such a way that our Good Friday doubts lead us to Easter Sunday faith.

ENLIVEN US… Today, with the resurrection power you used to bring the Son out.

NEXT WEEK