Surprised by Joy

• Joy can surprise us, and we can intentionally choose to rejoice in each day as a gift from God.
• Sorrow is a real and valid part of life, and God is present with us in our grief.
• True hope is found not in our circumstances or limited expectations, but in recognizing and placing our trust in Christ.
• A personal encounter with Jesus has the power to transform sorrow into overwhelming joy.
• The reality of Jesus’ resurrection provides a solid foundation for our assurance and fuels an overflow of joy that compels us to share our faith with others.

 Icebreaker

To start, let’s think about unexpected moments of happiness.

• Can you share a time in your life when you were unexpectedly “surprised by joy”?

Introduction

This section sets the stage for our study by introducing the theme of being surprised by joy, drawing parallels from literature and highlighting the foundational idea of rejoicing in the day the Lord has made.

Scripture: Psalm 118:24 NKJV

Discussion Questions:

• The sermon mentions the joy of the Easter egg hunt. What are some simple things in life that bring you unexpected joy?
• The speaker shares their personal journey with reading, particularly discovering The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. How has a book, movie, or story ever unexpectedly impacted you or changed your perspective?
• Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it”. How can we be intentional about finding joy in the present day, even amidst challenges?

Application Questions:

• How can you apply the principle of rejoicing in the day the Lord has made to your life this week?
• Is there a story or book that has significantly impacted your faith journey that you could share with someone else?

Sorrow

Here, we delve into the experience of sorrow, as exemplified by Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, recognizing that grief is a real and valid emotion, even one that Jesus experienced.

Scripture: John 20:11-13 NKJV, John 11:35 NKJV, Luke 8:2 NKJV, John 19:26 NKJV, Luke 22:61-62 NKJV

Discussion Questions:

• The sermon mentions Jesus weeping at the death of Lazarus. What does it tell us about Jesus’ humanity and character that He experienced sorrow?
• Mary Magdalene is described as being one of the most faithful followers of Christ, having been healed of seven demons. How can our past experiences of God’s grace fuel our faithfulness during times of sorrow?
• The sermon notes that Mary was alone at the tomb after Peter and John had left. What are the challenges of processing grief or sorrow alone?

Application Questions:

• How do you typically navigate or cope with seasons of sorrow in your life?
• Who is someone you know who might be experiencing sorrow, and how can you offer support or comfort to them this week?

Hope

This section explores the transition from sorrow to hope, focusing on Mary’s initial, limited expectation and how Christ appears to redirect her hope towards the reality of His resurrection.

Scripture: John 20:14-15 NKJV, Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Discussion Questions:

• Mary initially didn’t recognize Jesus, perhaps due to her tears, expectations, or focus on sorrow. How can our own expectations or emotions sometimes prevent us from recognizing God at work in our lives?
• Mary’s hope at this moment was focused on recovering Jesus’ body, not on His resurrection. How can we ensure our hope is placed in Christ’s power and promises rather than just our desired circumstances?
• Isaiah 40:31 says that “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength”. How have you experienced renewed strength by placing your hope in the Lord during a difficult time?

Application Questions:

• Is there an area in your life where your hope might be misplaced? How can you intentionally shift your focus to placing your hope in Christ?
• How can you practically live out “hoping in the Lord” this week, especially if you are facing a challenging situation?

Joy

We examine the pivotal moment when Mary’s sorrow is transformed into overwhelming joy as Jesus calls her name and she recognizes the resurrected Lord.

Scripture: John 20:16-17 NKJV, 2 Peter 3:9 ESV

Discussion Questions:

• The sermon emphasizes the significance of Jesus calling Mary by name. What does it tell you about God’s personal relationship with us that He calls us by name?
• The sermon suggests Mary’s response was an immediate embrace. How do you typically respond when you experience overwhelming joy or a powerful encounter with God?
• 2 Peter 3:9 mentions God’s patience and desire for everyone to reach repentance. How does understanding God’s patience influence your response to His calling?

Application Questions:

• How can you be more attentive to hearing Christ call your name in your daily life?
• What is one tangible way you can respond to Christ’s calling on your life this week?

Exuberance

This section focuses on the natural overflow of joy and excitement that leads Mary to immediately share the good news of the resurrection with others, becoming the first evangelist.

Scripture: John 20:18 NKJV, Matthew 28:8 NKJV

Discussion Questions:

• Mary’s joy led to immediate action – running to tell others. How does true joy often lead to a desire to share it with others?
• The sermon calls Mary the “first Evangelist”. What can we learn from Mary’s example about sharing the good news of Christ?
• Can you recall a time when you were so excited about something that you couldn’t wait to tell someone? How does that feeling compare to the idea of sharing the best news in history?

Application Questions:

• Who is one person you can share the good news of what Christ has done for you with this week?
• What are some practical ways we can cultivate a sense of “exuberance” about our faith?

Assurance

Finally, we explore the assurance that comes from believing in the resurrected Christ, considering the evidence presented in the sermon and the testimony of those who were willing to die for their belief.

Scripture: Matthew 28:11-13 NKJV, Acts 4:18 NKJV, Acts 4:19-20 NKJV, Acts 12:1-2 NKJV, Acts 7:57-58 NKJV

Discussion Questions:

• The sermon presents the testimony of the women as evidence for the resurrection, noting their low status as legal witnesses in that culture. Why does the inclusion of women as the first witnesses strengthen the credibility of the resurrection account?
• The chief priests’ response to the empty tomb was to bribe the guards to lie about the body being stolen. How does their reaction indirectly support the fact of the empty tomb?
• The sermon highlights that the eyewitnesses, like the disciples and Paul, were willing to suffer and die for their belief in the resurrected Christ. What does their willingness to die for their belief tell us about the sincerity of their conviction?

Application Questions:

• What does it mean to you personally to have “assurance” of your faith and salvation?
• How can you be better equipped to share the reasons for your hope and the evidence for the resurrection with others?

Closing

Discussion Question:

• The sermon ends with a powerful call to consider the question: “Did Jesus rise from the dead?” How has your understanding of the resurrection grown through this study?

Application Question:

• If you have never made a commitment to follow Christ, what steps can you take this week to learn more or make that decision? If you have, how can you live with greater assurance and boldness because of the resurrection?

Day 1: Surprised by Joy

Scripture: Psalm 118:24 NKJV

Key Focus: Choosing to rejoice in the day the Lord has made and being open to unexpected joy.

Reflection: The sermon begins by reminding us that each day is a gift from the Lord, a day for which we can choose to rejoice and be glad in it. Sometimes joy surprises us in unexpected moments, like the simple happiness of an Easter egg hunt or the profound impact of a meaningful story. Just as the characters in Narnia were surprised by a deeper magic, we too can be surprised by the joy that comes from recognizing God’s work in our lives, even in the ordinary. This devotional will explore how sorrow can turn to unexpected joy when we encounter the risen Christ.

Life Application: What is one thing today that you can intentionally rejoice in and be glad about, recognizing it as a gift from the Lord?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of this day. Open my eyes to see the opportunities for joy and gratitude You place before me. Help me to choose to rejoice and be glad in You, no matter my circumstances. Amen.

Day 2: The Reality of Sorrow

Scripture: John 20:11-13 NKJV

Key Focus: Acknowledging the reality of sorrow and God’s presence within our grief.

Reflection: Mary Magdalene’s posture at the tomb is one of deep sorrow. She is weeping, heartbroken by the perceived loss of her Lord. The sermon reminds us that sorrow is a real and valid human emotion, even Jesus Himself wept. Mary’s faithfulness is highlighted; despite her grief, she remained near the tomb when others had left. It’s in our moments of deepest sorrow that God is often closest, ready to meet us in our pain.

Life Application: How do you tend to respond when you experience deep sorrow or loss? How can you allow yourself to grieve while remaining faithful to God?

Prayer: Lord, there are times when sorrow feels overwhelming. Thank You for understanding our pain and even weeping with us. Help me to bring my grief to You and trust that You are with me, even in the midst of my tears. Amen.

Day 3: Finding Hope in the Midst

Scripture: John 20:14-15 NKJV

Key Focus: Shifting our hope from limited expectations to the true hope found in Christ.

Reflection: In her sorrow, Mary didn’t immediately recognize Jesus. Her expectations and grief may have clouded her vision. Her hope was limited to finding a dead body. The sermon points out that our own expectations or focus on our circumstances can sometimes prevent us from recognizing Jesus at work in our lives. True hope isn’t based on our limited perspective or what we can do (like Mary offering to carry the body herself), but on the reality of who Jesus is and what He has already done. He meets us in our searching, even when we don’t fully understand.

Life Application: Is there an area in your life where your focus on sorrow or expectations might be preventing you from seeing God’s presence or work? How can you shift your hope from your circumstances to Christ?

Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for the times my sorrow or expectations blind me to Your presence. Help me to seek You with open eyes and a heart ready to receive the true hope that only You can give. Amen.

Day 4: The Turning Point: Encountering Jesus

Scripture: John 20:16-17 NKJV

Key Focus: Experiencing transformative joy through a personal encounter with Jesus.

Reflection: The turning point for Mary came when Jesus simply spoke her name. In that moment, recognition flooded her soul, and her sorrow was instantly transformed into overwhelming joy. The sermon highlights the power of Jesus calling us by name – a personal invitation to know Him. Mary’s response was immediate and full of affection. When we truly recognize Jesus, our natural response is often one of joyful connection and worship.

Life Application: Have you experienced a moment where you felt Jesus call you personally? How did you respond? How can you be more attentive to hearing His voice in your life today?

Prayer: Rabboni, my Teacher! Thank You for calling me by name and revealing Yourself to me. Fill me with the joy of knowing You and recognizing Your presence in my life. Help me to respond with immediate love and devotion. Amen.

Day 5: Living with Exuberance and Assurance

Scripture: John 20:18 NKJV (See also Matthew 28:8)

Key Focus: Living with the overflow of joy and confidence that comes from the resurrection.

Reflection: Mary’s encounter with the resurrected Jesus didn’t end with her personal joy; it propelled her into action. She ran to tell the others, becoming the first to share the incredible news. Her exuberance was a natural overflow of her experience. The sermon also speaks to the assurance that comes from believing in the resurrected Christ, supported by compelling evidence and the testimony of those who were willing to die for their belief. When we have encountered the risen Lord, we have a blessed assurance that leads to a desire to share that hope with others.

Life Application: How does the reality of Jesus’ resurrection impact your daily life and your assurance of faith? How can your joy and assurance lead you to share the good news with someone this week?

Prayer: Risen Lord, thank You for the assurance I have in You. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my joy overflows into exuberance for sharing Your story. Give me boldness and opportunity to tell others what I have seen and heard – that You are alive! Amen.