Turn Twice: Three Gardens | Josh Kelsey

·44 min·4 clips

Pastor Josh reveals how the empty tomb garden connects to Eden and Gethsemane, framing the entire Gospel narrative.

The episode is an Easter Sunday sermon by Pastor Josh Kelsey at Fount Church in New York. It opens with a greeting, prayer, and scripture readings from Isaiah 43:19 and John 20. Josh introduces the central theme of three gardens: the Garden of Eden where humanity lost its place, the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus surrendered his will, and the garden of the empty tomb where new life begins. He explains that John's Gospel mirrors Genesis, framing the resurrection as the culmination of God's redemptive plan. The sermon delves into the story of Mary Magdalene visiting Jesus's tomb while grieving. Josh describes her former demon-possession and how Jesus delivered her, making her an unlikely first witness to the resurrection. He highlights that Mary initially mistakes Jesus for a gardener and only recognizes him when he says her name. This moment symbolizes personal revelation and the power of God knowing individuals intimately. Josh emphasizes the concept of 'turning twice'—first a casual look and second a full-hearted repentance. He applies the garden metaphor to listeners' lives, suggesting that God can turn personal 'tombs' into gardens of new life. The sermon includes interactive moments, like asking the congregation to yell their names. It references various biblical figures like Adam, Eve, Peter, and Paul to illustrate points. Josh critiques religious legalism, arguing that Jesus's sacrifice in Gethsemane eliminates the need for human efforts to atone for sin. He connects the resurrection to everyday life, stating that 'Resurrection Monday' matters because Jesus returned physically. The episode concludes with an extended altar call where Josh leads a prayer of commitment, encouraging people to lift their hands if they want to turn to Jesus. He reassures listeners that God calls them by name and celebrates their decisions.

As heard by us

An Easter sermon that turns Mary's grief into a direct call to meet the risen Jesus.

Josh Kelsey begins with John 20 and keeps the focus on Mary's grief, the empty tomb, and the instant Jesus speaks her name. Isaiah 43:19 widens the frame, tying resurrection hope to lostness in a way that reaches both New York ambition and long church familiarity.

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Why you'd press play

For Easter Sunday in John 20, when Mary reaches the tomb and Jesus speaks her name.

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