In this sermon, Pastor Greg Johnson explores the theme of Jesus "hiding in plain sight" through the account of the resurrection as recorded in John 20. He begins with a relatable analogy of playing hide and seek with children, emphasizing how sometimes things can be right in front of us, yet we fail to see them. This sets the stage for examining how the disciples and others missed the obvious truth of Jesus' resurrection, despite His clear predictions.

Key Points:

1. Mary Magdalene's Encounter:

   • Mary Magdalene is the first to arrive at the tomb and finds it empty. Despite Jesus' repeated predictions of His resurrection, her initial reaction is to assume His body has been stolen.
   • Pastor Greg highlights the cultural significance of Mary being the first witness, noting her past and societal status, which underscores the radical nature of Jesus' message and the inclusivity of His kingdom.

2. The Disciples' Response:

   • Peter and John run to the tomb. John arrives first but hesitates, while Peter enters and sees the grave clothes. John then enters, sees, and believes.
   • The sermon emphasizes the different responses to the resurrection and how personal experiences and past failures, like Peter's denial, can blind us to the truth.

3. Mary's Recognition of Jesus:

   • Mary initially does not recognize Jesus until He calls her by name. This moment illustrates how personal and intimate Jesus' relationship is with His followers.
   • Pastor Greg draws a parallel to how Jesus calls each of us by name, inviting us into a personal relationship with Him.

4. Jesus' Appearance to the Disciples:

   • Jesus appears to the disciples, offering peace and commissioning them for mission. He breathes the Holy Spirit on them, empowering them to forgive and carry out His work.
   • The sermon stresses the importance of not keeping Jesus to ourselves but sharing the good news with others.

5. Thomas' Doubt and Belief:

   • Thomas, absent during Jesus' first appearance, doubts until he sees and touches Jesus' wounds. His declaration of faith, "My Lord and my God," is a powerful testament to the transformative encounter with the risen Christ.
   • Pastor Greg encourages listeners to consider what they need to move from doubt to belief and to recognize Jesus' presence in their lives.

Questions for Small Group Discussion:

1. Personal Reflection:

   • Can you recall a time when something was "hiding in plain sight" in your life, either physically or spiritually? How did you eventually come to see it?

2. Mary Magdalene's Role:

   • What does Mary Magdalene's role in the resurrection story teach us about Jesus' view of societal norms and the value He places on individuals, regardless of their past?

3. Disciples' Reactions:

   • How do Peter and John's reactions at the tomb reflect different aspects of faith and belief? How do you relate to their responses?

4. Recognizing Jesus:

   • Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt Jesus calling you by name or speaking directly to your heart? How did that impact your faith journey?

5. Mission and Forgiveness:

   • What does it mean to you that Jesus commissions us to continue His work? How can we actively participate in this mission in our daily lives?

6. Thomas' Doubt:

   • In what areas of your life do you struggle with doubt? What would it take for you to move from doubt to belief, and how can your small group support you in this journey?

7. Application:

   • How can we be more aware of Jesus "hiding in plain sight" in our lives and the lives of those around us? What practical steps can we take to recognize and respond to His presence?

This sermon challenges us to open our eyes to the reality of the risen Christ, who is often right in front of us, inviting us into a deeper relationship and mission. As we reflect on these questions, may we be encouraged to seek and find Jesus in our everyday lives.