Hope Has a Name- Part 1: When Hope Feels Lost | John 20:11–18 // April 5th, 2026
Teaching overview
In John 20:11–18, the resurrection story begins not in celebration, but in sorrow, as Mary stands outside the tomb overwhelmed by grief and unable to recognize Jesus standing right in front of her. This teaching shows that hope is not optional, that hope can be difficult to find when pain and false promises cloud our vision, and that true hope is personal because the risen Jesus knows us and calls us by name. Easter reminds us that hope is not merely a feeling or an idea—it is found in the living Christ, who meets us in our despair and invites us into relationship with Him.
Our prayer for your Community
Jesus, thank You that when we are overwhelmed by grief, disappointment, or confusion, You meet us with Your presence and call us by name. Turn our hearts away from false hopes and help us trust You as our living hope, our Savior, and our Lord. Fill us with confidence that because You are alive, it will be okay in the end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Group questions and further meditations:
Why do I need hope so deeply?
Meditation:
The sermon reminds us that hope is not optional; without a vision of a better future, the human heart begins to wither.
Question:
Where in my life am I feeling the weight of hopelessness right now, and what does that reveal about what I’ve been trusting in?
Where am I looking for hope?
Meditation:
Like Mary at the tomb, we can miss the hope of Jesus standing right in front of us.
Question:
What false hopes, distractions, or substitutes am I tempted to turn to instead of honestly bringing my need to Jesus?
Am I responding to Jesus personally?
Meditation:
Just like with Mary, Jesus calls us by name and invites us to know Him.
Question:
What is Jesus bringing to your attention right now that you’ve been avoiding? What would it look like to respond to Him this week?
