Psalm 16:1-11, Isaiah 53:1-12, Matthew 28:5-10, (Luke 24:7)
The death and resurrection of Jesus united people from diverse religious persuasions. That is the Pharisees and the Judaic community, the Romans and the disciples.
The Pharisees out of jealousy had taken him through the courts of injustice with an intent to have him killed. They were courts of injustice because Jesus was an innocent man and Pilate noted as much (Matthew 27:22-25). Not wanting to be defeated in their own evil plan, the Pharisees persisted and Jesus was hung on the cross. In their conniving minds, they knew they had annihilated Jesus and so his influence would finally fizzle out and die completely.
The Romans were the political rulers in Jesus’ time. They were out to ensure that the Jews didnt stage an insurrection and so they were roped into the evil plan of the Pharisees. To them, this was just another Jewish trouble that needed to be silence. They thus arrested Jesus, and walked with him through the entire process of the courts and finally nailed him to the cross.
Once their master had been arrested, the disciples scattered. However, peter and john would remain in the crowd ‘incognito’. John was able to follow Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard because he had some connections while Peter stayed outside (John 18:15). Peter was eventually granted to enter the courtyard and here he met a girl who recognised him as a disciple. Out of fear, Peter denied Jesus three times. After he had been buried, the disciples of Jesus would later regroup in hiding because they too were being hunted down by the Pharisees to be killed. These men were living their worst nightmare.
Today, the death and resurrection of Christ remains a most unresolved mystery to many in the world, even though plain to those who have believed in his name.
The Pharisees had the Roman guard post men at the tomb of Jesus. When Jesus resurrected, they came up with a story about his body being stolen by his disciples and so they bribed the guards to say as much (Matthew 28:11-15).
The disciples were shocked that what Jesus had said had actually come to pass. At the report of the women, Peter and John ran to the tomb and confirmed that indeed the Master wasn’t there (John 20:1-10). Where could he be? In Luke’s gospel the angel asked the women, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! (Luke 24:5-6)
That empty tomb has remained a paradox to many for over 2000 years. Yet, rather than the influence of Christ diminishing with his death, it has increased in the world. As some continue to deny him, many have come to the saving knowledge of Christ.
What significance does the empty tomb hold therefore?
i. It confirms Jesus’ prophesy as true. At the empty tomb, it was confirmed to the women that indeed Jesus had risen. ‘The angel said to her, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ (Luke 24:5-7).
ii. The empty tomb gives credence to the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15). His resurrection makes the Christian faith a living faith. Just as he rose from the dead, all who have believed in him will also rise from the dead. ‘And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith... And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins... But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17, 20-22)
iii. His resurrection ushered a host of other significant activities in the world. One such activity is the ascension right before the disciples (Acts 1:9). Another such activity is the coming of the Holy Spirit and consequently the birth of the church (Acts 2). The power of the empty tomb will also most assuredly usher in the second coming of Christ (Acts 1:10-11).
iv. The resurrection power of Christ is what gives the Church power to grow and expand. ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit’ (John 12:24). Jesus spoke these words to figuratively indicate the power of his death and resurrection and its effect on the growth of the Church long after he was gone.
v. The empty tomb is the clearest proof that those who have believed in the name of Jesus, will also rise again into eternal life (John 14:19).
Have a blessed Easter Sunday.
