The Triumph of the Resurrection

35 years had passed since his death. His sarcophagus had been moved 17 times until it came to its final spot in his hometown. Rumors had long circulated that perhaps his remains were not even in the casket. Once a Chicago crime boss had even plotted to steal his remains and hold them in ransom. Finally, in 1901, with his only living son present, the casket of Abraham Lincoln was cut open and it was revealed. He was definitely still in the grave.

Another tomb was unsealed, but no bones were found in it! Jesus is Alive!

The triumph of the Resurrection:

Christ is Victor over Sin and Death - Granting Us Eternal Life

Here come the women, they are still sorrowing over the loss of Jesus. They are not expecting an empty tomb, but to finish preparing his body.

Instead, they are met by the angel, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. FOR HE HAS RISEN, just as he said...”

Jesus coming out of the grave means our sins are forgiven and we have been justified in the sight of God! HE HAS CONQUERED SIN!

Romans 4:24–25 ESV

but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

HE HAS CONQUERED THE GRAVE!

1 Corinthians 15:54–57 CSB

When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Christ coming out the grave gives the assurance of eternal life to all who believe!

Christ is Victor over Satan’s Dominion - Claiming All Authority

There are others at the tomb. The soldier’s job was to make sure he remained in the tomb.

The enemies of our Lord Jesus represent all the power of Satan. He was using the full might and power of Rome to try and seal Jesus in the grave!

All Satan’s scheme and the political plots of man cannot defeat the Lord of life! Every knee will bow!

Philippians 2:9–11 NKJV

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus Christ is Lord. The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord!

There is no power that can prevent the purpose and plan of Jesus Christ. There is no governing authority that will seal Him up!

Christ is Victor over the Flesh and Doubts - Transforming Us by His Power

There is another person who comes to the tomb. Mark 16:7 “But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.””

Luke 24:12 ESV

But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

Here is Peter, who just three days before had claimed he would follow Jesus all the was to the cross if necessary, and then denied Him three times. He is full of despair. Luke even recorded that on the third denial the Lord turned and looked at Peter.

Jesus wanted Peter to know that He was not finished with him. Jesus’ power will transform Peter. What Peter could not do for himself, Jesus, by the power of His resurrection will accomplish. Jesus alone paid for Peter’s sin! Jesus’s triumph over the grave transforms Peter into a bold witness.

The Lord is not done with you! The Resurrection proves it! He will transform us!

Romans 8:10–11 CSB

Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.