Share Your Circles

Walter Henegar | Sep 3, 2023

Matthew 27:55-61 (ESV)

55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.


57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

Sermon Summary

Joseph of Arimathea is the patron saint of sharing your circles—all the human networks that connect resources to needs. Even Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary," despite their apparent powerlessness, used their nonthreatening social status to become vital eyewitnesses to Jesus' resurrection. In the economy of God, grace is free and our participation is a gift, opening up limitless possibilities to be used by him for the good of the world.

Discussion Questions

  1. What stood out to you or stuck with you from the sermon?
  2. Describe a time when someone shared their circles with you. What did it do for you? How did it make you feel?
  3. Name three or four of the circles you have to share with others. They could include social groups, skills, insights, connections, etc.
  4. The two Marys used their nonthreatening social status to become ideal witnesses to the greatest event in the history of the world. What under-the-radar assets might you have that God could use for the good of others?
  5. Take a moment to ponder the wonder of the bodily death and resurrection of Jesus. How does his “great reversal” motivate you to trust him and use your circles to serve others?

Resources Consulted

  • No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision of Friendship, Rebecca McLaughlin
  • Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyowo
  • African-American New Testament Commentary, ed. Brian K. Blount
  • Matthew for Everyone, NT Wright
  • The Message of Matthew, Michael Green
  • Cornerstone Commentary on Matthew and Mark, David Turner