Good News | Healing | Pastor Jon Ville Dublan

Read:  John 20:1-2; 11-18

We are starting a new series called “Good News” talking about the different interactions Jesus had after his resurrection. Everyone loves to hear good news, especially when that news is something that they did not expect. 

The very first interaction Jesus had after His resurrection was with this woman named Mary Magdalene was a good news that she did not expect at all. She is one of the people Jesus healed (Luke 8:1-2) and followed Jesus in His ministry. So this news of the empty tomb brought so much sorrow and grief to her especially with how Jesus meant so much to her. 

These are some of the things that we can learn about the good news from Jesus’ interaction with Mary.

1. The Good News Brings Hope: For Mary and the disciples, they were confused and scared as to why the grave is empty. Mary mourned because Jesus was not inside. They did not have that much of an understanding on what the resurrection means compared to our time today. What we do know is that while Mary was mourning, Jesus was with her, despite her not seeing Jesus, when she heard him call her name, she experienced the hope of the good news.  

2. The Good News Brings Healing: Not only Mary was healed by Jesus back then! Her seeing Jesus healed her mourning and grieving. Death is not the end! When Jesus calls us by our name, we are able to lay down all of our burdens and worries to him and He will heal us. When He calls us by our name, we do not have to be alone anymore! 

3. The Good News is a Call to Action: Jesus instructed Mary to tell the others that He has risen and is ascending going back to the Father. Hope and Healing were not just meant for Mary but it was also meant for the disciples and for the people around them who needed to hear this good news. God turns our tears into testimonies and transforms our mourning into mission. 

The Good News of Jesus brings transformation in our lives. When we have the good news, we are called to share it with those who are in need around us.

5 Discussion Questions for Young Adults

1. Share a moment when you have received unexpected good news! What was your reaction after receiving it?
2. What is the difference between Biblical Hope and just plain optimism?
3. Mary did not recognize Jesus in the beginning while she was crying. Why do you think it is difficult to recognize/see Jesus in the middle of our pain/suffering/brokenness?
4. What is one area in your life where you would like to see healing happen in Jesus’ name?
5. The Good News is a Call to Action, what is one action you will take this week to share the good news to the people around you?