Grow Guide | April 5, 2026
Text Study for Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026
Resurrection of Our Lord
Reading: John 20:1-2, 11-18
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
Christ is Risen! Google the song, “Graves into Gardens.” What lyrics speak to you?
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of life, we celebrate the good news that Jesus has been raised from the dead. Make us confident in the truth of Christ’s resurrection and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CONTEXT
From our Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal: “Every Sunday in worship the church celebrates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit gathers us to receive again the gifts of God that come to us through Christ, the saving Word. On several key days at the center of the church year, however, worship takes a particular shape. These central days have come to be known as the Three Days, recalling Jesus' own words to his disciples that he would be handed over to death, and that "after three days he will rise again" (Mark 10:34). The Three Days encompass the time from Maundy Thursday evening through the evening of Easter Day. In particular, the services of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Vigil of Easter unfold in a single movement, as the church each year makes the passage with Christ through death into life.”
From Dr Karoline Lewis at EntertheBible.org:
Only in John is Jesus buried in a garden and so the resurrection of Jesus in John takes place in a garden. The garden is unique to John and why Mary Magdalene first thinks Jesus is the gardener. The first resurrection appearance is to Mary, who comes to the tomb alone, unlike in the other Gospels. She also goes to the tomb empty handed, without spices to anoint Jesus’ body as he has already been anointed for burial by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. She visits the tomb simply to visit the grave of her loved one – and finds it empty. That she weeps is mentioned four times in this passage and so no wonder she is unable to recognize Jesus. It is when he calls her by name that she realizes who he is. Just as Jesus knows his sheep by name (10:3) and as he called Lazarus by name to come out of the tomb, now Jesus calls Mary by name. Jesus’ instructions to Mary are important. He asks her to announce to the disciples his ascension, not his resurrection. Mary neither does what Jesus asks, nor does she announce the resurrection. Instead, she says, “I have seen the Lord!” In this revelation, Mary embodies a primary characteristic of discipleship in John – to witness to having seen Jesus and point to an encounter with Jesus.
LOOK AT THE BOOK
How is it with your spirit this week?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
The author of the book Stranger God, Richard Beck, invites us to pay attention this Lent to how Jesus may show up to us in disguise. Where might have you seen Jesus in disguise this Lent so far?
Open to John 20:1. What three details are included before Mary Magdalene appears?
What is her response to the stone being rolled away from the tomb? What experience might cause you to run?
What is Mary’s response to the empty tomb in verse 11? Who else was recorded weeping in this Gospel?
"Angel” is Greek is often the word “messenger.” Notice how John has used two women as messengers in this passage. How? What might that mean for the work of the church?
What “disguise” is Jesus wearing according to Mary? What is the task and role of a “gardener?” How has God been a gardener in your life?
In what ways is God tending, like a gardener, Easter Lutheran Church?
What is Mary’s confession of faith in verse 18? How can everyone participate in this call?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
TAKING IT HOME
Who is someone who has pointed out God in disguise in your life?
Sending Prayer
Holy God, you reveal your glory in Jesus Christ and make your people one in his name. Transform us through him and shine your light on the whole world, that we would move into the future you have for us with confidence and joy in his holy name. Amen.