1. Easter: Jesus ’ Encounter with Mary Magdalene An unfolding story of five great Easter surprises

2. Surprise No.1: The tomb is empty and Jesus ’ body is gone!

3. Surprise No.2 Jesus is alive again!

4. Surprise No.3 The risen Christ appears hidden and in plain view!

5. Surprise No.4 Jesus sends Mary and his disciples to be eye-witnesses of his resurrection!

6. Surprise No.5 A surprising resurrection gift --the Holy Spirit.

7. Easter good news The tomb is empty. The dead body is gone. Jesus is alive! He appears first to Mary Magdalene, then to the disciples. He returns to us humbly as our Teacher.

8. Jesus sends Mary as the first of many eye-witnesses to spread the good news that he has risen from the dead.

9. And then Jesus bequeaths to his disciples, to us, the imperishable breath of God -- the Holy Spirit — in order to energize and guide us.

10. Five great surprises of Easter!