Jesus’ Last Words 1 – Who Do You Seek? Grace Lutheran Bible Study 1. Christians often meditate on Jesus’ “last words”, the seven statements he spoke from the cross. But let’s not forget, those aren’t his last words. He rose from death and spoke again. He still speaks today. In this study, we’ll examine Jesus’ statements and interaction after his resurrection from the dead.
2. When have you found yourself “hanging on” someone’s words? What is it about them that made their words so compelling?
John 20:1-2 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she left and ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she told them, “and we don’t know where they put him!” 3. At the start of the day, Mary Magdalene thought that her last interactions with Jesus would be ones of mourning for him at his grave. What kinds of words do you say at the grave of a loved one?
4. “We don’t know where they put him!” What did Mary think was going on?
John 20:3-9 3 So Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. 5 Bending over, he saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who was following him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there. 7 The cloth that had been on Jesus’ head was not lying with the linen cloths, but was folded up in a separate place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who arrived at the tomb first, also entered. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not yet understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead.) 5. Cloths lying rather neatly, but no body. Peter and John saw, believed, but did not understand. How is it possible to believe but not understand?
John 20:10-15 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes. 11 But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, weeping. As she wept, she bent over, looking into the tomb. 12 She saw two angels in white clothes sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She told them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid him.” 14 After she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” 6. “Why are you weeping?” Imagine you see someone weeping, how do you know if it’s ok to ask them about it, or not?
7. Why didn’t Mary recognizing 2 angels, then not recognizing Jesus?
8. Can you answer Jesus’ question: Who was Mary looking for?
9. In your day to day life, who are some people that you look for?
10. In your day to day life, what kind of Jesus do you look for?
John 20:15-18 Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you carried him off, tell me where you laid him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and replied in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means, “Teacher”). 17 Jesus told her, “Do not continue to cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father—to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” She also told them the things he said to her. 11. Jesus opened her eyes by saying her name. How does Jesus come to you as an individual and cause you to be aware of who he is?
12. “Don’t cling, but go and tell.” How do you know when it’s time to get close to Jesus, just you and him?
13. How do you tell when it’s time to go and tell others about him?