The Tomb is Empty and the Risen King

Introduction:

Good morning family. Today, we have an opportunity to reflect on the most pivotal event in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection is the foundation of our faith. Without it, my preaching is in vain, our faith meaningless, and we are still dead in our sins, as Paul states:

1 Corinthians 15:14–17 NKJV

14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!

However, Jesus lives and because of that everything changes! Imagine for a moment the emotions of those first witnesses—all the grief, confusion, fear they felt; and then, eventually the overwhelming joy. All of those who followed Christ, expected to find a sealed tomb and a lifeless body. Instead, they found an open grave and an angel proclaiming: “He is not here. He is risen!”

This morning, let’s prepare our hearts to walk through this passage together and consider the implication of the empty tomb for our lives.

vv. 1–6) The tomb is empty:

Before we begin this morning I want to cover a few things.

Explanations for the Resurrection:

Opponents to Christianity have concocted numerous theories which sound more ridiculous than a powerful God being able to raise someone from the dead.

Their desperate efforts reveal their acceptance Jesus’ body has never been located since that Easter morning.

If Jesus actually rose from the dead, then we must acknowledge His undisputed lordship.

Evidences of the Resurrection:

If someone were creating a false resurrection narrative, no one would have scripted the details this way.

No one can deny something significant happened on the morning which changed the course of history.

The fact we are still talking about it two thousand years later on the other side of the world proves something made skeptical cowards into bold witnesses.

Effects of the Resurrection:

We fail to understand the power of the first Easter if we lack astonishment as we remember it today.

Jesus’ resurrection should cause us to flee from the empty tombs into the promised life Jesus offers.

If the tomb is still empty, it should awaken you from a spiritual slumber and save you from a meaningless life.

The order of the resurrection events seem to be as follows:

Mary discovers the empty tomb (John 20:1-2)

She runs to inform Peter and John.

They in turn run to see and verify for themselves (John 20:3–10).

We also have some resurrection appearances begin. We do not know how long Jesus stayed with the apostles when He visited them. Jesus may have appeared to some whom we have no record of here in Scripture. The exact order of the appearances mentioned in Scripture is hazy, but some order is possible.

Mary Magdalene (Mark 16; John 20).

To the women running to tell the disciples about the empty tomb (Matt 28).

Peter (Luke 24; 1 Cor 15:5).

The two disciples on their way to Emmaus (Mark 16:12; Luke 24).

To the apostles without Thomas (Luke 24; John 20).

To all the apostles (Mark 16:14).

Jesus appears to the disciples who had gone fishing (John 21).

Somewhere 500 believers saw Jesus (1 Cor 15:6).

James, Jesus’ half-brother (1 Cor 15:7).

All those present for His ascension (Mark 16; Luke 24; Acts 1).

[1-2] Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb as early as they could Sunday morning to embalm Jesus’ body. This is likely the earliest they were able to go. Remember for the Jews Sunday would have begun the night before, however it would have likely been to dark for the women to embalm the body. So they waited till Sunday morning to do this.

What a depressing time for all the followers of Jesus, especially the disciples. The one they believed to be the Messiah was just crucified… Friday to Sunday must have been dark, empty, desperate days for them.

These women proved themselves to be the most devoted followers of Jesus, and they were the first to proclaim His resurrection.

I think it should be noted why they were bringing spice: the Jew did not mummify their dead, that was an Egyptian practice. The Jews used spices to offset the odors from decomposition.

The women going to the tomb without anyone able to roll away the stone demonstrates a level of unpreparedness; and is a sure proof of the truthfulness of this story. Here we see there is love and deep devotion; however, it was only the love and deep devotion one could have for, what they believed was a dead Christ, this wasn’t yet true Christian faith.

It probably seemed to them God’s dealings with them were over. Most of them, if not all of them, were fearful, confused, deeply sorrowful, probably angry with themselves and the people who crucified their Lord. However, the disciples for all their closeness to Jesus, had not yet fully understood Him, nor indeed could they until after his resurrection.

[3] The women were not expecting to find an empty tomb. They came wondering how the stone door would be opened. The stone which had been placed in position by Joseph.

Mark 15:46 NKJV

46 Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.

This stone would have rolled down its sloping groove and slid into place, precisely to guard against any such unauthorized entry by individuals, so the anxiety of the women were well founded.

Ultimately this account shows the resurrection accounts cannot be the product of wishful thinking, because the disciples of Jesus did not expect the resurrection to happen.

Matt 27:64–66 reminds us there was a guard set round the tomb. All this shows the stone could not have been rolled away by the women (they were not strong enough) or by the disciples (even if they were brave enough, they could not overcome the armed guards). We also should understand no one else wanted to roll away the stone:

Matthew 27:64–66 NKJV

64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.

Matt 28:2 tells us it was an angel who rolled away the stone:

Matthew 28:2 NKJV

2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.

The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out. John 20:19 tell us Jesus, in HIs resurrect body, could pass through material barriers:

John 20:19 NKJV

19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

It was rolled away so others could see the tomb was empty and be convinced Jesus Christ had truly risen from the dead.

[4–5] When the women arrived on the scene, they looked up toward the tomb and immediately noticed the stone had been removed. The women entered the tomb’s outer room which led to the inner burial chamber. They were startled to see a young man sitting to their right probably in front of the burial chamber.

The unique circumstances, the accompanying description, and the revelatory message seems to indicate Mark viewed him as an angelic messenger sent from God even though he called him a young man. The white robe pictured his heavenly origin and splendor:

Mark 9:3 NKJV

3 His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.

Luke and John mentioned the presence of two angels, the number necessary for a valid witness:

Deuteronomy 17:6 NKJV

6 Whoever is deserving of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness.

But Matthew and Mark referred to only one, presumably the spokesman.

The women were alarmed when they encountered the divine messenger. This compound verb of strong emotion, expresses overwhelming distress at what is highly unusual.

[6] The angel painted the contrast between what Jesus was and what He is. He was crucified, beyond all doubt—meaning He was dead. Now, He is risen—not only resuscitated, but resurrected.

There are several examples in the Bible of people being resuscitated before this, such as the widow’s son in the days of Elijah (1 Kings 17:17–24) and Lazarus (John 11:38–44). Each of these was resuscitated from death, however, none of them were resurrected.

Each of them was raise in the same body they died in and raised from the dead to eventually die again. Resurrection isn’t just living again; it is living again in a new body, based on our old body, perfectly suited for life in eternity. Jesus was not the first one brought back from the dead, but He was the first one resurrected.

We should also say Jesus still is risen! He ascended into heaven and continues to reign as resurrected man, still fully God and fully man.

Another interesting note: these were not exalted titles for Jesus, that the angel proclaims. Nazareth was not a place to be proud of and crucified was a title of shame, not of honor. Yet Jesus was not ashamed to be called “of Nazareth” and “crucified.”

“This description of his shame has become his crown of glory, for Paul and all who look to the Crucified and Risen Christ as Saviour and Lord.”–Robertson

Hebrews 2 NKJV

1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? 5 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. 6 But one testified in a certain place, saying: “What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? 7 You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” 13 And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.” 14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

3 points:

Don’t neglect this great salvation.

Jesus isn’t ashamed to have the titles of “Nazareth” or “Crucified.” And as this passage suggests, he isn’t ashamed to call you his brethren! So why are you ashamed of Christ?

He suffered, being tempted, to help you!

The actual event of Jesus’ resurrection is nowhere described, but the discovery of it is recorded in great detail. The women who intended to give Jesus’ body a more proper preparation for burial discovered the stone was rolled away from the tomb and the body of Jesus was not inside the tomb.

I’m sure the women were grateful the angel told them to see the place where they laid HIm. It would have—it should have—been enough to merely hear the testimony of the angel. Nevertheless, when they say it, it gave them ground to stand on even more solid than the testimony alone.

“One eyewitness is better than twenty ear-witnesses; men will believe what you have seen if they do not believe what you have heard.”—Spurgeon

[Testimonies]

When we see the place where they laid Him is now empty, we see the Father did not forsake Jesus.

When we see the place where they laid Him is now empty, we see death is conquered.

When we see the place where they laid Him is now empty, we see we have a living friend in Jesus.

He is risen! The fact of Jesus’ resurrection is a matter of history. What it means can only be understood by what the Bible tells us. Therefore, it is important to consider what the empty tomb and Jesus’ resurrection means.

The resurrection means Jesus was declared to be the Son of God:

Romans 1:4 NKJV

4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

The resurrection means you have assurance of your own resurrection:

1 Thessalonians 4:14 NKJV

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

The resurrection means God has an eternal plan for these bodies of ours.

There was nothing in the teaching of Jesus approaching the Gnostic heresy of declaring the flesh the physical is inherently evil. Plato could only get rid of sin by getting rid of the body. Jesus retains the body; and declares God feeds the body as well as the soul, the body is a sacred thing as the soul, since the soul makes it its sanctuary.

The resurrection means Jesus has a continuing ministry:

Hebrews 7:25 NKJV

25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

The resurrection means Christianity and its God are unique and completely different and unique among the religions of the world.

The resurrection proves though it looked like Jesus died on the cross like a common criminal, the scum of the earth, He actually died as a sinless man, out of love and self-sacrifice to bear the guilt of your sin. The death of Jesus on the cross was the payment, but the resurrection was the receipt, showing the payment was perfect in the sight of God the Father.

Application:

Do you believe in the resurrection, not just as an event, but as the power that changes lives today?

Just as the women saw the evidence, we must also examine and trust the Word of God as our evidence of Christ’s victory over death.

vv. 7–8) A message to relay:

“Go and tell:” Through the angel, the women received a message from Jesus they had to deliver. We might think of this message as an invitation, because through this message the disciples were invited to meet with Jesus.

This demonstrates the invitation of Jesus are filled with grace. The disciples had completely failed Jesus. He had every right to be done with them, yet in grace He extended this invitation to them.

Family, everything Jesus says He will do, He will do it. He said He would meet them in Galilee and He did:

John 21:1 NKJV

1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself:

Jesus’ invitation is one where He wants to reveal Himself to us. “He is going before you into Galilee, there you shall see Him.” The main object was to see Jesus, for Him to reveal Himself to His people.

This shows you and I when Jesus invites us He alway Remembers His promises too. “As He said to you,” the angel added to the invitation. What Jesus says, He will do, and He can never fail in any promise.

There is a level of amazement of Jesus wanting to meet with the disciples, men who failed Him so deeply…and here specifically mentions Peter.

Jesus makes it a point to distinguish Peter, probably because He had special hope, special forgiveness, special restoration for the one who denied Him the worst.

“If any of you have behaved worse to your Master than others, you are peculiarly called to him now. You have grieved him, and you have been grieving because you have grieved him. You have been brought to repentance after having slidden away from him, and now he seals your pardon by inviting you to himself.”–Spurgeon

[Get right with Jesus Christ]

These women left the tomb, and fled. Seized with trembling, and astonishment. Also, “they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” does not mean they made no report of the resurrection. They most certainly did and it is plain by v. 11. What it means is they left the scene of the empty tomb, they did not discuss it among themselves. They didn’t try and figure it out or match their stories. They simply went to make a report to the disciples as the angel invited them to do.

Key Truth: The resurrection is not just good news—it is news that must be shared.

The angel commands them to “go and tell.” The message of Jesus’ resurrection was never meant to be kept silent.

The disciples had failed Jesus, yet He still wanted to meet them in Galilee. This is grace in action!

Application:

If Jesus is risen, how can we keep silent? Are you sharing the good news with those around you?

Jesus is calling you to meet Him—He extends grace even when we’ve failed Him.

Conclusion: He is Risen!

Because the tomb is empty:

We have hope beyond the grave.

We have assurance that Jesus is who He claimed to be.

We have a mission to proclaim the risen Christ.

Will you respond in faith? Will you go and tell? The empty tomb demands a response—what will yours be?

Numbers 6:24–26 KJV 1900

24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.