From Darkness to Dawn: A Journey of Faith and Resurrection

 

The story of Jesus’ resurrection, as recounted in John 20, is one of the most transformative narratives in human history. It’s a story that begins in darkness—literal and metaphorical—and moves toward the radiant light of dawn and daylight. This Sunday’s sermon "He Is Alive - Message 1 - Darkness to Dawn" draws from this passage to explore how we, like Mary Magdalene and the disciples, can navigate life’s darkest moments with the assurance that Jesus is alive and still writing His story. Let’s unpack this journey from darkness to dawn and, ultimately, into daylight, finding hope, purpose, and faith along the way.

Darkness: The Place of Loss and Confusion

Sunday’s sermon begins with Mary Magdalene arriving at the tomb "early, while it was still dark" (John 20:1, NKJV). Her world had been shattered by the crucifixion of Jesus, and now, even His body seemed lost to her. She tells Peter and the other disciple, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him” (v. 2). This moment encapsulates the essence of darkness—grief, confusion, and unanswered questions.

Life often feels this way. Loss—whether of a loved one, a dream, or a sense of certainty—leaves us disoriented. Like Mary, we may find ourselves baffled by the tension between what we know of God’s goodness and the pain we experience. The Christmas song “Mary Did You Know” illustrates this fact, Mary didn’t know (I know, I know… different Mary) the full story at this point. She was early in the narrative, standing in chapter 20 of an epic tale that wasn’t yet complete.

This is a powerful reminder for us: when we’re in the midst of darkness, it’s not the end of the story. The pain is real, but it coexists with the truth that God is still at work. As the sermon puts it, “We live in the tension of two truths: that life can hurt AND God is not done writing His story.” In our darkest times, we can hold fast to the reality that Jesus is alive, and His resurrection power is still unfolding.

The disciples, too, were in darkness. John 20:9 reveals they “did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.” Despite walking with Jesus, they hadn’t fully grasped God’s plan. Today, we have the Scriptures, yet many of us still struggle to live in their light. Darkness often persists because we fail to anchor ourselves in the truth that Jesus has overcome it.

Dawn: The Awakening of Faith

The narrative shifts as Mary lingers at the tomb, weeping (John 20:11). Peering inside, she sees two angels, and then, turning around, encounters Jesus—though she doesn’t recognize Him at first. This moment marks the transition from darkness to dawn, a gradual awakening to the reality of the risen Lord.

The sermon highlights three key moments where “it dawned” on Mary, offering applications for our own journey:

1. Stooping and Looking In
   Mary stooped to peer into the tomb and saw the angels (v. 11-12). The stooping—humbling oneself—is essential to seeing God’s truth. Pride keeps us in darkness, but humility opens our eyes to the resurrection. Have we ever considered that our refusal to “stoop” might be why we remain in confusion? The application is clear: God’s story isn’t about us—it’s about a risen Savior who meets us when we lower ourselves.
2. Answering the Tough Questions
   The angels ask, “Woman, why are you weeping?” (v. 13), and Jesus echoes, “Whom are you seeking?” (v. 15). These questions probe Mary’s motives and focus. The sermon challenges us to examine our own “why” and “whom.” Are we seeking a Savior to fix our problems or a Lord to rule our lives? Mary’s initial despair stemmed from misplaced expectations—she brought spices to anoint a dead body, not to celebrate a living King. Dawn breaks when we realign our seeking with God’s reality.
3. Hearing Jesus Call Her Name
   Everything changes when Jesus says, “Mary!” (v. 16). Her response—“Rabboni!” (Teacher)—reflects a personal, transformative encounter. The sermon imagines the tenderness in Jesus’ voice, a tone she’d heard before, breaking through her self-sufficiency. She’d been ready to take charge, saying, “I will take Him away” (v. 15), but Jesus showed her the work was already done. Dawn arrives when we hear His call and respond, trusting that He’s alive to our pain and loss.

These moments remind us that darkness isn’t the end. As the sermon beautifully states, “Darkness cannot overcome the light, and the darkness time you’re experiencing might just be the prelude to dawn.”

Daylight: Living Out the Resurrection

The story culminates in daylight as Jesus commissions Mary: “Go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God’” (John 20:17). She obeys, telling the disciples she has seen the Lord (v. 18). This shift from darkness to dawn to daylight reveals a mission for us all.

The sermon outlines three ways we live in this daylight:

1. Relieve the Brethren
   Jesus sends Mary to comfort His grieving disciples. Likewise, those who’ve walked through darkness and emerged in light can encourage others. The sermon suggests that some in our communities have been to “the dark side” and now bask in sunlight. Their stories—and ours—can bring hope to those still mourning.
2. Relay the Message
   Mary’s task was to share Jesus’ words about His ascension. The sermon emphasizes that good doctrine—truth about Christ’s victory—frees us from false beliefs and heavy burdens. When we relay the message of a risen Savior, we offer hope that uplifts and unburdens.
3. Reaffirm the Relationship
   Jesus’ words, “My Father and your Father,” affirm a familial bond with God. This isn’t just theology—it’s a lived reality. The sermon marvels at the privilege of knowing God as our Father, who sees us in darkness and brings us into light.

Conclusion: He Is Alive

From darkness to dawn to daylight, the resurrection story is a journey of faith. Mary Magdalene moved from confusion to clarity, from grief to mission, because Jesus met her where she was. Today, He does the same for us. Life’s darkest moments—those early, shadowy chapters—are not the end. Jesus is alive, still writing His story in and through us.

So, when you find yourself in darkness, remember: it’s early yet in eternity. Stoop low, seek Him, and listen for His voice. Answer the tough questions of why and whom, and let it dawn on you that He’s alive to your pain. Then step into daylight—relieving others, relaying the truth, and reaffirming your place in God’s family. Darkness doesn’t have the final word. Jesus does. And He is alive.