All the experiences of the women and the disciples went through meant something to them. It changed everything. There were eye witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus and it is through their testimony that we’re here today. We can say life has completely changed because of this news.
After Jesus died he was taken off the cross. It had been several hours since first taking the cross. It was meant for Barabbas but the people released him and yelled “crucify him” to the Lord. If you are not saved or have drifted away, consider the opportunity you have. God has allowed us to see another Easter. Soon he’s coming in the clouds of glory. I want to be ready when he comes. The only way is to look at the empty cross and the empty tomb….and believe.
Matthew 28: In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
When the women and Peter and John came to the tomb something had happened that had never happened before. No one took the life of Jesus; he laid it down. He had the power to bring it back up. The earth shook. The angels rolled the stone away. Jesus’ body was not there. The angels asked why they sought the living among the dead. No one stole his body like the guards were asked to lie about. When Jesus arose he came through the death garments and took the time to fold his head piece and place it by itself so everyone would know. Without the empty tomb, the empty cross wouldn’t mean a lot.
Jesus said “it is finished” and that meant he accomplished our salvation. He finished the work and when he arose he completed the entire mission. We do not participate in the saving our soul; Jesus did it all. Believe he came, suffered, died and rose again the third day. Go to the tomb by way of Calvary and you’ll see no stone. He’s still not there. When the angels came down, it scared the soldiers who were guarding the tomb. They seal was broken on the tomb, the stone was rolled back and an angel sat on it. The guards would later report what happened to Pilate and the Sanhedrin. They knew he was gone, alive. They were paid good money to tell that the disciples came and stole his body. They sold him out just as Judas did.
Later on Peter met Jesus and was forgiven for denying him. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus walked in the opposite direction of the tomb on their way home. Jesus caught up with them. As they talked about the events that had occurred Jesus asked them ought not Christ to have suffered. When he broke bread in the house with them and vanished they realized that had seen the Lord.
The empty cross means Jesus was successful. He finished suffering and dying so we could have salvation. The empty tomb means that he who died is alive to personally save us. He arose and never went back to the tomb. The only way to be saved is to believe what Jesus did and trust him as your living Savior. Why live like he laid back down? He’s not tired. He’s not gotten too old. The tomb is still empty. Where is he? He’s closer than you think. Make the move to him. He’s close enough to save you.
This is resurrection day in the Easter events. Jesus is reminding us he’s not there in the tomb. The gates of hell cannot stop you from being saved if you’ll believe.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 