Sunday’s Coming: The Empty Tomb

 Sunday’s Coming: The Empty Tomb

Opening Illustration:

“Do you remember where you were when…”

This is a familiar statement that most of us have heard when talking about someone famous dying. Do you remember where you were when John F. Kennedy was assassinated? Do you remember where you were when Elvis died? Do you remember where you were when 911 occurred? Do you remember where you were when Michael Jackson passed? The list goes on and on. Our lives are marked with “do you remember where you were when so and so died” statements. These famous deaths remind us of time long gone. When we think about these sudden losses, we recall the music we were listening to, we remember what we were wearing, what we are eating, who we were with, we might even remember aromas in the air. They are defining moments that bind us together. 

If you were born before September 11, 2001, you wont likely remember the terrorist attack on our country but for the rest of us, it is etched in our memories forever. Do you remember how scared everyone was? Angela and I were newlyweds. I vividly remember huddling with Angela on the night of the attack, scared, curious about our future. Do you remember how everyone responded. Churches were immediate filled. Worship services all over the country broke out and sanctuaries were packed with people. There was something unifying about that moment in history. Something that bonded everyone together. Even today, when we talk about 911, we all remember. 

You know, we don’t have to be bound or share a collective memory over tragic events. Hardly, joyous occasions connect us as well. I’ll give you a “for instance”. Rewind time some 2000 years to 3 days after the atrocious death of Jesus Christ. The story is captured in Luke 24. A handful of women were making their way to the tomb of Jesus. They were going there to prepare Jesus’ body for final burial. Upon arrival to the tomb, they discover the tomb has been rolled away. They are greeted by two men, which were actually angels. They see that Jesus is gone, arisen, alive. The women run back to the disciples to tell them the news. Suddenly, like wildfire, news of Jesus’ resurrection spreads. Everyone is shocked. “Could this be true” they must have asked. Instead of asking “where were you when so and so died”, now the question of “where were you when you found out Jesus arose” became the main question of the day. 

No longer were they bound together by Jesus’ death. Where were you when Jesus died?

Now they were bound together by Jesus’ resurrection. They were bound together by the empty tomb. Where were you when you found out that Jesus was alive?

Brothers and sisters, fill in these blanks under “Today Thought”. The empty tomb defeated death, dismantled dark forces and destroyed darkness forever! 

What you believe about the empty tomb defines our faith. The empty tomb defeated death. I didn’t say that, Scripture did in 2 Timothy 1:10, “Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel”. The empty tomb dismantled the dark forces of Satan, robbing Satan of his power over humanity. I didn’t say that, Scripture did in Colossians 2:15, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” The empty tomb destroyed darkness forever. I didn’t say that, Scripture did in John 1:5, “The light shines in the dark, and the dark has never extinguished it.” 

Christianity loses its potency without the presence of the empty tomb. If Jesus’ body lay rotting and deteriorating in the grave today, our faith is meaningless. If His body, conquered by death, turned to dust then we have followed a madman and liar. Jesus be no different than Jim Jones or David Koresh. Jesus would be a false teacher, a false prophet undone by His lies. You and I know better. The tomb is not filled with the stench of a dead body. The tomb was electrified by the sudden life permeating through the cells of the Savior. He conquered death and angels were called to testify. The impossible was made possible. 

Jim Cymbala is the pastor of the famed Brooklyn Tabernacle. He is also a decorated best selling author. Cymbala understands the absolute importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He fully grasps the importance of the vacancy of Christ’s tomb. Listen to what Cymbala says, “The cross, as poignant as it is, is understandable from a human perspective: an innocent man was murdered by crooked politicians and religious leaders. But the empty tomb-- what can you say? Only a supernatural God could accomplish that.” 

Today’s Thought:

The Empty Tomb Defeated Death, Dismantled Dark Forces, and Destroyed Darkness Forever! 

“The light shines in the dark, and the dark has never extinguished it.” 

John 1:5 God’s Word Translation 

Today’s Quote:

“The cross, as poignant as it is, is understandable from a human perspective: an innocent man was murdered by crooked politicians and religious leaders. But the empty tomb-- what can you say? Only a supernatural God could accomplish that.”

-Jim Cymbala

Background and Context of Luke 24:

Before we read from God’s Word, I would like to take a moment and set up the context of today’s passage. First, we are reading this morning from Luke 24:1-12. I will be reading from the English Standard Version. 

The story begins with the obvious:Jesus is dead. He has been dead now for 3 days. Jesus died a criminals death by crucifixion. If an autopsy would have been performed, it would state that Jesus died by acute asphyxiation brought on by extensive lacerations, blunt force trauma to all of His extremities, exhaustion from crucifixion, and tremendous blood loss. His passing has been marked with great suffering and heartache by His beloved mother Mary and a handful of His followers. In fact Scripture tells us in John 19:25 that four women were with Jesus when He laid down His life: Mary His mother, Mary’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. We also know that His beloved disciple John was there at the foot of the cross. Roman executioners were present as well as 2 other criminals who were suffering from the safe fate. All of this is important because every single person present at the cross of Christ could confirm that He was indeed dead when He was removed from the cross. After they took Jesus down from the cross, negotiations take place between Jesus’ family, Joseph of Arimathea, the Pharisee Nicodemus and the Roman government. The government allows Jesus’ body to be temporarily placed in Joseph’s grave until a more suitable grave could be found. However, the government gives stipulations to the body being turned over. It must be guarded 24 hours a day and sealed with a large stone. This was done to prevent grave robbers from stealing the body of Christ. Friday comes and goes. Saturday the disciples of Christ have assembled in an undisclosed location in or around Jerusalem. They are hiding from the authorities out of fear that they may meet a similar end as their Master. Sunday morning arrives and as was customary, women head to the tomb to properly care for the body of Jesus, preparing His body for His final and last burial. These women are Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James and other unnamed women. Upon arrival they are met with an empty grave, guards gone, stone rolled away. They are greeted by two strangers asking them “Why do you seek the living among the dead”.  That is where we start this morning. So, let’s read this morning Luke 24:1-12. 

Statement of Belief:

We believe the Bible to be inspired, God breathed, infallible, and authoritative. We believe the Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training believer’s in righteousness. God’s Word gives life. It provides peace in trouble and protection in tribulation. It is alive, active, and cuts to the core of the human soul. Since there is no other book like it, let us stand to show our reverence and respect.  

Today’s Scripture:

Luke 24:1-12 ESV

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. [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. [4] While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. [5] 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? [6] He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, [7] that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise." [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, [11] but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. [12] 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.

Point:

What an unbelievable scene these women witnessed. What a blessing that we have such a detailed account of what happened the day that Jesus raised from the grave. So, what can we learn from the empty tomb of Jesus Christ? Let’s talk about that this morning. Let’s talk about 3 teachings from the empty tomb?

3 Teachings From The Empty Tomb!

I. The Astonishment of The Empty Tomb vs. 4

Luke 24:4 ESV

While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.

Point:

The first teaching from the empty tomb is astonishment. There was great astonishment there at the empty tomb of Jesus Christ. We see the utter amazement of those present in verse 4 of Luke 12. “While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.”. The English Standard Version uses the word “perplexed”. That is the understatement of understatements. I bet they were perplexed. Remember these women were coming to prepare a dead body for final rites and for final burial. Imagine their surprise when they discover the body that they have come to prepare is nowhere to be found. 

Gone. 

Vanished.

How many of you have been to a funeral? Yep, that’s what I thought. In my 13 years of being your pastor, I have done literally dozens and dozens of funerals. I would even say that I have done upwards of hundreds of funerals. Do you know that is never missing at any funeral that I have performed? You’ve guessed it…the body. My friend Mark McCrory works at Wolfe Bayview Funeral Home. Mark and I have done tons of funerals together. I’ll put it like this, Mark has done so many funerals with me that he knows how I format my funerals. He knows how I structure my messages. Basically, he and I have worked so much together over the years that he knows how I think and I know how he thinks. Mark has never come to me before a funeral and said, “Stuart…buddy, I hate to tell you this but we have somehow misplaced Bob.” Not once, not ever. Even more so, Mark has never come to me and said, “Stuart…buddy, I hate to tell you this, but Bob got up and walked out a few minutes ago”. Not once, not ever. 

There is nothing more certain than death. When we hear the terrible news that someone has passed, it is final. Done. Over. We all know what that means. 

So, I just bet the women were perplexed when they came to the grave and the body of Jesus gone. Think about what Jesus went through on the cross. Not to be to graphic, but Jesus’ body was beaten so badly, there was no possible way that He could have survived. Jesus was scourged and whipped, stripping His entire body of its flesh and muscle, exposing internal organs and bone. He was beaten so badly that He could barely move. So utterly exhausted was Jesus that He could not carry His own cross through Jerusalem. We already know about the nails. Brothers and sisters, Jesus was a very chatty person. He was what we call a “talker”. He was an extravert. He clearly loved being with people and enjoyed spending time with others. However, when He is on the cross, the normally conversational Jesus turns quiet. Barely speaking. This sudden lack of communication is due to the fact that Jesus could not breathe on the cross. He was unable to take in enough breath to complete a long sentence. That is why when Jesus speaks from the cross, it is only in short, concise phrases. 

I say all of this to help you understand the mindset of the women coming to prepare the body of Christ. There was no thought, no expectation that Jesus would have been alive. Resurrection was the furthest thing from their mind. They were grieving. They were despondent. Depressed. They has just lost their beloved friend, son, Rabbi, Master, Teacher, and leader. They were heartbroken. So, imagine their confusion when they arrive at the tomb to discover that Jesus’ body is gone. 

Perplexed. I bet. 

The Greek word for “perplexed” is aporeō (Ah-pour-ray-oh). The Greek word can be translated in several ways. It means to be without resources, to be in straits, to be left wanting, to be embarrassed, to be in doubt, to not know which way to turn. It means to be at a loss with one’s self. Clearly there was confusion in this moment for the women. They must have ask themselves so many questions:

Where is He?

Did someone steal Him away?

Who would take Jesus away?

What about you friend? Have you ever felt this way before? Confused. Not know what to do, who to turn to, where to go? This was adding insult to injury for these ladies. First they killed Jesus and now they have stolen Him away. This was the worst possible news attached to the worst possible outcome. They darkness has now turned to midnight. 

You and I have the benefit of hindsight this morning. We know the rest of the story, but not these ladies. This was the absolute worst day of their lives. Hope was dead. Happiness was destroyed. Help had disappeared from their lives. Maybe that is where you are this morning. You have come to your grave and your grave has swallowed you whole. 

If that is you, boy do I ever have some good news for you this morning. Dawn is about to break. You see friends, these ladies have come to the wrong place, looking for the right person. Im reminded of Paul’s words concerning the resurrection of Jesus from the dead captured in Romans 8:11. 

Romans 8:11 ESV

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

3 Teachings From The Empty Tomb!

I. The Astonishment of The Empty Tomb vs. 4

II. The Assurance of The Resurrection vs. 5-7

Luke 24:5-7 ESV

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? [6] He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, [7] that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."

So, our first teaching is about how astonished these women were at the grave of Christ. Next, our second teaching is the assurance of resurrection we have because of that empty tomb in Jerusalem. 

I share the same post on Social Media every year when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Year in and year out, I always post the same thought. Here is what I will say:

“On this day (Resurrection Sunday), every single person on planet earth will have to explain why the tomb of Jesus Christ is empty.”

Oh there are explanations, the only problem is that all of them…save one, are really not very good. Let’s talk about a few of them this morning. 

Explanation one as to why the tomb is empty: the grave was robbed by the disciples. We know that guards were posted at the entrance of Jesus’ tomb. These men were outfitted with the latest and greatest weaponry. They had the finest training. These guys were like the Seal Team 6 of their day. These same men were threatened if Jesus’ body was stolen away they would face certain death. We also know that Jesus disciples were not military men. In fact, Scripture is clear that the disciples had long abandoned Jesus. They were afraid and had scattered. One more reason that the disciples didn’t steal the body of Christ. Why would the disciples lay their lives down unto death if they knew that Jesus’ resurrection was hoax? Ask yourself this question, “would I die for a lie”. The answer is “no way…absolutely not”. But they did. They died. Some died under terrible conditions. What I have found out is that people die for what is true, not for what is a lie. No, that one does not work. Let’s move on.

Explanation two as to why the tomb was empty: Jesus merely fainted on the cross. He walked out on His own accord. This is often called the swoon theory. This theory is tossed out pretty quick because we know the injuries that Jesus suffered from would certainly lead to death. Not to mention that Jesus was speared underneath His ribs, cutting and puncturing vital organs necessary to survival. Jesus would have eventually died of the beating and scourging alone even if He was not crucified. Plus the Roman executioners did this for a living. They were professional killers. Jesus was so dead that it was not even necessary to break His legs. No, Jesus was clearly dead. No way He simply walks away. 

Explanation three as to why the tomb was empty: Jesus was stolen away by the Pharisee. Again, this idea doesn’t hold water. The Pharisees wanted Jesus dead. Robbing the grave would just embolden Jesus’ claim of being the Messiah and His claims of resurrection. Removing Jesus’ body were have just spurred on the very movement that they were trying to crush. Jesus dead is exactly where the Pharisees wanted Him. What next?

 Ok, here is the last explanation. Were the women just plain dumb? Maybe they were blinded by their grief. Did the women just flat show up to the wrong tomb? The answer is “wrong again”. We know that these women found the right tomb because Peter and John came to the same place and verified the story that the women told. What are the odds that they too would make the same exact mistake?

One last thought. The Pharisees wanted Jesus dead. The Romans wanted Jesus dead. As the rumors spread about Jesus’ resurrection the Pharisees and Romans could have squashed the rumor so easily. This was not the first attempt to overthrow Roman rule. Not by a long shot. Do you know what the Romans would do to crush a rebellion? They would kill the leader and parade the body through the streets for everyone to see. There is nothing more defeating than seeing your leader paraded through the streets in mockery. Why didn’t the Pharisees call for the body of Jesus to simply be exhumed? Why didn’t the Romans pull Jesus from His actual grave and say “here He is”? Because He wasn’t there. The body of Jesus was gone and there was only one explanation that that tomb would be empty. Jesus was alive. Plain and simple. 

Let me tell you something friends, brothers and sisters, I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His resurrection give me hope. Because of HIs resurrection I do not have to fear death. I know that I too will be resurrected one day because He has defeated death. He has transferred His life to me. The grave cannot hold me. He has turned His grave into a garden of glory. Remember the promise of Jesus in John 11. 

John 11:25-26 ESV

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

3 Teachings From The Empty Tomb!

I. The Astonishment of The Empty Tomb vs. 4

II. The Assurance of The Resurrection vs. 5-7

III. The Abundance of The Salvation vs. 12

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.

So we have heard two teachings from the empty tomb of Jesus. We have seen the astonishment of the empty tomb. Next we saw the assurance of the resurrection from the empty tomb. Lastly we have the abundance of salvation from verse 12 of chapter 24. “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.”

This is one of my favorite part of the resurrection story. Luke 24 tells tells us that after hearing that Jesus was alive, resurrected, that Peter and John ran to the tomb. Luke tells us that Peter stopped down, looked in the tomb, and saw that Jesus was gone. There is a slight variation to that story in John that I think adds some unique context. Let me read it for you. Turn to John 20 and let’s read from verse 1. 

John 20:1-10 ESV

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. [2] So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." [3] So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. [4] Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. [5] And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. [6] Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, [7] and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. [8] Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; [9] for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. [10] Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Did you catch it? Did you see the slight variation in the story? In Luke, John and Peter ran together, went into the tomb, saw the grave cloths, and went away marveling. 

John says that Peter and John started out together. They were running together to the tomb of Jesus. That’s what verse 4 says. So far so good. Luke and John are lining up nicely. Then there is a slight variation to the story. Unimportant really? Right? Maybe…maybe not. Let’s read verse 4 one more time. 

John 20:4 ESV

Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

The other disciple, who we know to be John, outruns Peter. So wait a second, they start out together but one reaches the tomb before the other. Was John faster in the 40? Did Peter pull a muscle? Maybe John was just faster. 

Why does this even matter? Why am I talking about the running speeds of Peter and John? I want to share a theory with you this morning. Something that jumped to me after reading all the resurrection stories. 

Let’s read another passage of Scripture and see if I can get this to make sense to you this morning. Turn to Luke 22:54-62. I will read it for you this morning. 

54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

“And he went out and wept bitterly.”

Here is what I think happened. The women came to the disciples and told them of Jesus’ resurrection. Peter and John are hit with an initial jolt of excitement. Maybe they were struck with a touch of disbelief. Still, the women seemed believable. These women were smart, not prone to wild stories or lies. Could it be they were telling the truth? So, Peter and John get up and race to the tomb. Then Peter remembers Luke 22:54-62. No, he does not actually remember that passage. He remembers the story. At that point, Peter is confronted with the last words Jesus ever heard him say. Peter, running along with John remembers that just days before he had denied Jesus not once, not twice, but three times. 

Would Jesus be angry with him?

Would Jesus curse him?

Would Jesus cast him out?

If Jesus was really alive, this means that He really is God. Peter you betrayed God. Peter must have wondered, why in the world am I in a hurry to get there. There is no telling what Jesus will do to him, what He may say to me.

I think that Peter slowed down because he was afraid. Fear overwhelmed him and he didn’t know how to handle it. After all, John stayed with Jesus. He was there the entire time. John stayed…Peter abandoned. John would receive a reward. Peter thought that he would surly receive punishment. Condemnation. 

Here is the great point for us this morning. Resurrection power existed for John…and for Peter. Jesus loved John and He loved Peter. 

Ephesians 2 sums it up beautifully, “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)”

The empty tomb guarantees salvation for everyone. It guarantees salvation for the John’s of the world and for the Peter’s of the world. Peter, even though he had betrayed Jesus, would sing for joy once more. The worst day became the greatest day. Think about the passage captured in Isaiah 26:19.

Isaiah 26:19 ESV

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! 

Let This Information Be Your Inspiration!