#1 in series: Making Sense of Easter
READING
John 12:1-8
THEME
More than any of our other senses—the sense of smell connects us to our deepest memories. Seventy five percent of emotions are triggered by smell. As we begin this Holy Week, with the smell of death in the air, Jesus wants your nostrils to be filled with the aroma of love. It is an aroma so strong and overwhelming, a fragrance so powerful and inviting. For the scent of his love is filled with promise and its aroma will transform every nasty odour in your life and the world, helping you make sense of Easter.
THEME VERSE
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:3
REMEMBER THIS WEEK
Easter doesn't make sense until we fall at the feet of Jesus. For real life, real love and real worship is found at the feet of Jesus who poured out every last drop of the extravagant fragrance of his love and life on the cross so we could live in his presence eternally. It's the scent of his love that will make all things new and all things beautiful.
FAITH TALK
1 What scent evokes the best/happiest memory for you?
2 What smells do you associate with Easter?
More from 'Making Sense of Easter'
The Sight of Easter
BIBLE READING:
Mark 16:1-8
The Images that were used at the start of the sermon can be found in the notes section below.
THEME
Think of a moment when someone that you least expected to see suddenly stands before you. A moment when something you had lost is found again and you can scarcely believe your eyes. Think of a moment when your fear was suddenly proved unfounded and you were surprised by joy. This morning is such a moment. We resign ourselves to the worst, and suddenly life turns around. So come this Easter morning, to be shaken from your conviction that nothing can change your situation. Come if you look at the world and feel overwhelmed by its chaos, or disillusioned by its promises. Come and be prepared to see your life and the world through new eyes, for nothing will ever make sense in your life without the sight of Easter.
THEME VERSE
But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Mark 16:7
REMEMBER THIS WEEK
The story of what is doing in and through Jesus isn't over at the empty tomb. It's only beginning. It's only beginning and you have a part to play. Resurrection is not a conclusion, but an invitation; an invitation to meet up with Jesus and continue his work of redemption in the world, transforming what appears to look like endings into new beginnings by his grace.