At the Empty Tomb

Happy Sabbath, friends!

In our previous message, we reflected on Mother Mary — a woman who said yes to God without fully understanding His plan.

That yes led to the birth of Jesus.

But the story did not end in the manger…it led to the cross…and ultimately, to the empty tomb.

The Weight of the Cross

Jesus lived an extraordinary life on this earth. He set a perfect example for those during His time — and for us today — on how to live a life that honors God.

Yet, He was not accepted by everyone.

There were those who mocked Him, were jealous of Him, and even hated Him. It may seem surprising, knowing who Jesus is and what He stands for, but many rejected Him because they did not want to accept the truth He was teaching — a truth that required surrendering their possessions, status, and ways of life.

John 15:18 (NIV)
““If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

John 3:19 (NIV)
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”

Because of this hatred, Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples — Judas — which led to His crucifixion.

Jesus was mocked, beaten, and crucified. He had the power to free Himself, yet He chose to endure it because He knew it was God’s plan.

What Jesus was condemned for is what we, as sinners, deserve. Yet because of God’s everlasting love, He sent His One and Only Son to die for our sins — what a profound display of love.

Matthew 27:27–31 (NIV)
“Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.”

John 3:16–17 (NIV)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

It Is Finished

After all the suffering Jesus endured for our sake, the moment came to an end.

You can see that God was in control, as the sacrifice was completed when Jesus declared:

“It is finished.”

John 19:30 (NIV)
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

The Silence of the Tomb

To the world, this was the end.

It was a time filled with mourning, waiting, and uncertainty. Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb, and those who loved Him were left grieving.

Mary and Mary Magdalene sat by the tomb, mourning the loss of their Lord and friend.

Matthew 27:59–61 (NIV)
“Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.”

Think of a time when you have lost someone close to you…it is never easy — grief comes in waves, bringing many emotions.

Now place yourself in the disciples’ and Mary’s shoes…this was a hard time for them as they knew Jesus was the Messiah, yet in that moment, it felt like everything had come to an end.

John 20:11 (NIV)
“Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb”

John 20:19 (NIV)
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!””

Luke 24:21 (NIV)
“but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.”

The Stone Rolled Away

What many had forgotten were the prophecies that foretold what was to come.

On the third day (Sunday) — after Preparation Day (Friday) and the Sabbath (Saturday) — Jesus rose from the tomb.

Matthew 28:5–6 (NIV)
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”

What seemed like the end was not the end at all.

Victory Over Death

Because of Jesus’ resurrection, He overcame death — the consequence of our sin — so that we may live the life God has prepared for us.

Through Jesus, we are given victory.

1 Corinthians 15:55–57 (NIV)
““Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

A Living Hope

Thanks be to Jesus Christ that because He lives — we can rest in the hope and peace that we are saved from our sins if we simply choose a life centered around God.

Jesus didn’t just die — He defeated death and rose — which led to the victory of freedom for all of His followers. Because of the resurrection, we can have hope, peace, new life, and victory with our Heavenly Father by our side.

What may have looked like the end to many was actually the beginning for all.

1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

Amen.