What The Empty Tomb Means

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Text: Mk 16:1-7

What The Empty Tomb Means

V6.: Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away — for it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

INTRODUCTION

Interesting things always happen in the lives of those whom the Lord loves. Just as these women were wandering how they were going to manage – they got there only to discover that the stones has been rolled away. For who was it rolled away. Was it for Jesus or the women?
I believe it was rolled away for the women to see that the tomb was empty.

The empty tomb & what it means

Jesus is alive.
The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of Christianity – 1Cor.15:17-19.17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
And since the resurrection is so essential, if has been under attack from the beginning – Matt.28:11-15
11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

EVIDENCE OF THE RESSURRECTION

Nobody could produce his body
The church came up as a result.
So we can safely say Jesus Christ is alive.
Matthew adds a new dimension to the story.
He goes to say –After they had been told that Jesus is risen – They saw the Tomb empty- “So the women hurried away from the tomb afraid, yet filled with joy and ran to tell the disciples…”
They found the tomb was empty
They believed that Jesus has risen and is alive.
They ran to tell but as they went, Jesus met them.
Their meeting Jesus changed the story for them.
What began as terrible day has suddenly changed into a day filled with inexpressible joy.
This is what meeting Jesus can do.
So the steps they take now are filled with great hope, life & enthusiasm – something they did not have in the morning.
The empty tomb means there is forgiveness
The story of Peter who had denied Jesus. But on hearing the news of the resurrection was happy.
But the accuser was there to accuse him- you have no right to celebrate
This thought slowed Peter down – John out ran him- but peter got to the tomb went in and saw the linen and the napkin folded.
He is alive, He is alive but we don’t know where he is. (Episode of Jesus & Peter) Jesus forgave him. the same way, the Lord forgives us. No matter the standards we set for ourselves and fall, the accuser will come. But Jesus the one who died will forgive.

Things to note:

The empty tomb means there is forgiveness.
The empty tomb means our sins can be washed away.
It also means that Jesus has won the battle over death, sin and the grave
That is why the gospel is the good news of forgiveness of sin.
Rom.3:23&26 But there is forgiveness with Christ. “23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

That is why Peter told them in Acts 2 repent and be immersed…”
Another person that saw the empty tomb that first Easter morning is John and this is what he ways 1Jn.1:7-9 “7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Confess – It’s not to list and justify our sins.
It means to say the same thing, agree with God and acknowledge to him that we have sinned.
We can now have a new life – Rom.5:18
18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.(NLT)
What is this new life? Why is it new?

BENEFITS OF THIS LIFE

Let Peter teach us -1Pet.1:3
Born again- Not under law – which says do to get. Which is empty but under grace – which says done just accept – eternal life.
A living hope – Hope of the new life is living not like that of the world which disappoints.
The empty tomb means there is hope.
It means that in the midst of lives rain, the sun will shine again.
An inheritance: that will not fade or perish.
We are shielded by God’s power –vs6-9.
We have joy.

CONCLUSION

Like the Marys – you could be going through the motion of living and dark shadow cover your path with little or no passion about life. You don’t have to remain that way. The stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, Jesus is alive and he is ready to make your life beautiful.

Don’t let this Easter pass without knowing Him.
Have you been to Jesus for the Cleansing power.

1Pet.1:3-Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.

What The Empty Tomb Means Quiz

Apostle (DR.) Udoh
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