One Sentence Sermon: Jesus is better than I expected.
This Palm Sunday, Pastor Tom Golden invited us to join him on a personal exploration of the transformative power of encountering Jesus, drawing from John 20:1-18. With authenticity and warmth, Pastor Tom shared a poignant story from his own life—a miraculous healing from lifelong Hay Fever—which became a powerful testimony to the surpassing nature of Jesus’ salvation and grace. Through Pastor Tom’s narrative, we were reminded that every step of our journey with Jesus is filled with unexpected blessings, surpassing our wildest expectations.
As Pastor Tom delved into the story of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, he illuminated the profound moment when Jesus called her by name, transforming her despair into joy. With relatable candor, he encouraged us to listen for Jesus calling our own names, highlighting the deeply personal nature of our relationship with Him.
Reflecting on Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Pastor Tom drew parallels between the crowd’s misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission and our own moments of doubt and confusion. Yet, despite our shortcomings, Pastor Tom reminded us that Jesus’ offer of salvation remains open to all, extending even to those who may have once rejected Him.
In conclusion, Pastor Tom shared a heartfelt truth: Jesus surpasses all expectations. With humility and gratitude, he invited us to embrace the unexpected blessings that Jesus offers, knowing that His love knows no bounds and His grace is more than sufficient for us. As we continue our journey, Pastor Tom encouraged us to keep our hearts open to the surpassing greatness of Jesus, eager to discover the endless depths of His love and mercy.
Bible Verses:
Jesus Is Raised from the Grave
20 It was the first day of the week. Mary Magdalene came to the grave early in the morning while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been pushed away from the grave. 2 She ran to Simon Peter and the other follower whom Jesus loved. She said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the grave. We do not know where they have put Him.”
3 Then Peter and the other follower went to the grave. 4 They ran but the other follower ran faster than Peter and came to the grave first. 5 He got down and looked in and saw the linen cloths but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came and went into the grave. He saw the linen cloths lying there. 7 The white cloth that had been around the head of Jesus was not lying with the other linen cloths. It was rolled up and lying apart by itself. 8 Then the other follower, who had come first, went in also. He saw and believed. 9 They still did not understand what the Holy Writings meant when they said that He must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the followers went back again to their homes.
11 Mary stood outside the grave crying. As she cried, she got down and looked inside the grave. 12 She saw two angels dressed in white clothes. They were sitting where the body of Jesus had lain. One angel was where His head had lain and one angel was where His feet had lain. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord. I do not know where they have put Him.”
14 After saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 He said to her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” She thought He was the man who cared for the garden. She said to Him, “Sir, if you have taken Jesus from here, tell me where you have put Him. I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned around and said to Him, “Teacher!” 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to Me. I have not yet gone up to My Father. But go to My brothers. Tell them that I will go up to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God!” 18 Mary Magdalene went and told the followers that she had seen the Lord. She told them the things He had said to her.