Lifegroup Discussion Guide

Seeing the Resurrected Savior

Brandon Lindell | April 5, 2026

Scripture

John 20:17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” For the full passage, read John 20:1-3; 10-18.

Main Idea

On Easter, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and, though she knew Jesus, she didn’t immediately recognize Him because she wasn’t seeing by faith. When Jesus called her by name, she believed, saw Him, and experienced His transforming power. This encounter shows that knowing about Jesus is different from putting your faith in Him, which brings new life, forgiveness, and a fresh start.

1. You can know about Jesus and still miss Jesus.

Mary believed in Jesus in general… but she didn’t believe in the main message, which is that Jesus died and rose for us!

In what ways can familiarity with Jesus (church, Scripture, stories) make it easier to overlook a real relationship with Him?

2. You can be near Jesus and still not see Jesus

Mary was on a mission to find Jesus, but she was viewing everything through a natural lens instead of through the eyes of faith.

What would it look like for you to intentionally walk by faith this week instead of just what you can see, feel, or understand?

3. You can know Jesus when you put your faith in Jesus

Mary heard Jesus’ voice, recognized it was Him, and it completely changed how she saw everything.

What does it mean to be made completely new in Christ, and how might that change the patterns, choices, or struggles you’ve been living with?

Call To Action

Reflect:

When you look at your life, do you simply know about Jesus, or do you truly have a personal relationship with Him?

Respond:

This week, intentionally seek to draw close to God, listen for His voice, and focus on truly knowing Him—not just learning about Him.

Remember:

Salvation is a fresh start and a new beginning because Jesus wasn’t just resurrected—He is the resurrection and the life, and He has the power to completely transform any life.

Care Form

If someone in your group needs care,

We want to be there for them. The James River Care team is designed to walk alongside people in every season – to celebrate life’s best moment and offer support through the challenging ones. We want to be there for the following life events: