An Empty Tomb

Text

Luke 23:50–24:1 ESV

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. 1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.

Introduction

The sabbath was, of course, the seventh day so that the first day of the week was our Sunday.

The sabbath would have ended at sunset on the Saturday, but little could be done during the hours of darkness.

So the women got up early on Sunday and went to the tomb.

Taking the spices with them to the tomb shows they were planning to complete Jesus’ burial.

The use of spices for embalming was a common practice intended to honor the deceased and mitigate the odor of decay.

HOWEVER

Transition (Angela)

The natural is about to collide with the supernatural.

The routine is about to smash into the extraordinary

As the women were walking toward the tomb; as they were carrying their spices, to complete their final act of respect for their Lord there came . . .

1. A Startling Discovery

Luke 24:2–3 ESV

2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

Let’s take a step back from this historical account.

Imagine with me that you were among the women that morning.

As you are approaching the tomb, you are confronted with the fact that the stone covering the tomb is no long in its place.

You are filled with questions. What is going on here? What you are seeing is out of place from what you were expecting—and the way it was the day before.

The women didn’t hesitate—they entered into the tomb—and it was EMPTY!

Application

During Jesus’ ministry, he told his followers that “with God all things are possible.”

When your life is intersecting with God’s work, the unexpected and the supernatural unfolds.

The empty tomb is a radical demonstration of God's power over death and despair.

That means that God and His power is greater than anything else!

Transition (Ed)

As the women were taking in the relocated stone and the tomb devoid of Jesus’ body, there was…

2. An Angelic Announcement

Luke 24:4–7 ESV

While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”

Exposition

Suddenly, the women’s thoughts and conversations were interrupted by Angelic beings.

You know, I find it fascinating that at Jesus’ birth there are a host of Angels proclaiming Christ.

Luke 2:10–11 ESV

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And now, we see the Angels of God proclaiming: “He is not here, but has risen!”

These angelic announcements, bookending the earthly ministry of Jesus, reminds me of something else the angels were declaring:

Garden—the same death that Adam and Eve’s disobedience brought to mankind in the Garden of Eden is the same death Jesus was battling for 3 days in the grave.

He wasn’t just resting for those 3 days, He was battling death; and the angels — by their declaration are announcing Jesus the champion!! He did it

The very thing He came to do was to bring us life by conquering death and He did it!!

Application

When we experience the work and presence of God, there is a shift from grieving to understanding.

Just like the angels reminding the women what Jesus said, believers are called to remember God's promises

And the truth of Jesus' victory over death rekindles faith and hope in moments of doubt and uncertainty.

Transition (Angela)

When we understand, and when we remember God’s promises, and when our faith is rekindled, there will be…

3. A Bold Declaration of Faith

Luke 24:8–10 ESV

8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,

Exposition

I find it fascinating that it was the women who were the first to boldly proclaim the truth that Jesus is alive!

In that day and age, women were viewed as property, with few rights. But with Jesus, it was the women who threw off the cultural norms, and courageously told the eleven Apostles about Jesus.

When these women recognized the truth of the Resurrection, everything changed!

That’s what happens when a person believes and embraces the fact that Christ defeated hell, death, and the grave.

They go and tell!

Application

Believers are not only to be transformed by the resurrection but also to boldly testify to the truth and hope found in Christ.

The Resurrection challenges the believer to declare in word and deed the victory that is found in Christ Jesus.

Transition (Ed)

So, how did the Apostles and the others react to this news?

At first, one might find this proclamation unbelievable. How could a dead person rise from the grave?

But it is these powerful words declared—coupled with the work of the Holy Spirit—that can change a persons perspective.

Where…

4. Skepticism Meets Faithful Curiosity

Luke 24:11–12 ESV

but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 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.

Exposition

Even the angelic message repeated by the women and the fact of the empty tomb were insufficient to produce faith in the disciples.

They were utterly sceptical. Even when women they knew well told them of their experiences, they refused to believe.

Clearly irrefutable evidence was needed to convince these sceptics.

The turning point for Peter was the empty tomb. He marveled—trying to process all these things.

What solidified the Apostles’ faith in Christ—what changed everything for all Christ’s followers was experiencing Jesus, face to face.

Luke 24:36–49 ESV

36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. 44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Application

Believers grappling with doubt need to take steps toward faith.

Investigate and experience the life-changing reality of the risen Christ personally.

Conclusion (Angela)

Big Idea: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, offering believers hope, renewal, and assurance of eternal life.

The fact of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ gives a confident hope in the love and grace of God.

The Resurrection opens the door to a changed life—from lost to found, from orphan to God’s family.

And, the Resurrection give unwavering assurance of God’s gift of eternal life.

Altar Call (Ed)

God’s Word tells us what we must do.

Romans 10:9 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Here is God’s invitation to you to place your trust in Him through Christ Jesus.

I want us to be in a posture of prayer. This is a holy moment.

Here in this place those that have wrestled too long with doubt and fear. But TODAY, you have heard from God’s Word the hope you have been longing for.