See the Place Where They Laid Him

Today we gather to celebrate the most significant event in human history—the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The empty tomb stands as a beacon of hope, signaling God's victory over sin and death. As we reflect on this glorious truth, let us delve into the Scriptures and explore the profound implications of Christ's resurrection for our lives.

I. The Certainty of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

A. A Proclaimed Gospel

1 Corinthians 15:1–2 ESV

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

1. The foundation of our faith lies in the gospel message.

2. Paul emphasizes the importance of holding fast to this truth.

B. Christ Died for Our Sins

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 ESV

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

1. The death of Jesus was not merely a historical event but a sacrificial act for our salvation.

2. His death was in accordance with the Scriptures, fulfilling God's plan of redemption.

C. He Rose on the Third Day

1 Corinthians 15:4 ESV

that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

1. The resurrection validates Jesus' claims and proves His deity.

2. It demonstrates God's power over death and His faithfulness to His promises.

D. Witnesses to the Resurrection (vv. 5-11)

1 Corinthians 15:5–7 ESV

and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

1 Corinthians 15:8–11 ESV

Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

1. Various individuals and groups encountered the risen Christ, confirming the reality of His resurrection.

2. Their testimonies serve as credible evidence for the resurrection.

Illustration: Just as a cornerstone holds a building together, the resurrection is the foundational truth that upholds the Christian faith. Without it, our faith crumbles. But because Christ rose from the dead, we have a solid foundation on which to build our lives.

II. The Empty Tomb (Mark 16:1-8)

A. The Women at the Tomb (vv. 1-4)

1. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to anoint Jesus' body.

2. They were surprised to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.

B. Angelic Announcement (vv. 5-7)

1. The women encountered an angel who proclaimed Jesus' resurrection.

2. They were instructed to go and tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus had risen.

C. Fear and Amazement (vv. 8)

1. The women were filled with fear and amazement at this miraculous event.

2. They fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered.

Illustration: The empty tomb serves as a powerful symbol of hope. Just as the women experienced a mixture of fear and amazement, we too may feel overwhelmed by the reality of Christ's resurrection. Yet, in that emptiness, we find the fullness of God's love and redemption.

III. The Call to Witness (Matthew 28:18-20)

A. Authority Given to Jesus (v. 18)

1. Jesus declares all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.

2. This authority empowers us to fulfill the Great Commission.

B. Go and Make Disciples (vv. 19-20a)

1. We are called to go and make disciples of all nations.

2. This involves baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded.

C. Promise of His Presence (v. 20b)

1. Jesus promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age.

2. His presence gives us confidence and courage as we share the gospel.

Illustration: Just as the women were commissioned to go and tell others about Jesus' resurrection, we too are called to be witnesses of His life-transforming power. Our obedience to this call not only impacts individuals but has the potential to transform entire communities and nations.

Conclusion:

- The empty tomb is a tangible reminder of the reality of Christ's resurrection.

- Let us not only see the place where they laid Him but also behold the risen Savior who offers us forgiveness, hope, and eternal life.

- As we embrace this truth, may we boldly proclaim the gospel and live as witnesses of His resurrection power in our lives.