Matthew 28:1-15
Introduction
Though you may not visit the empty tomb in this life, you can take a trip through God’s wonderful truth. The empty tomb was a place of happenings. It was located right at the foot of the hill where Jesus was crucified. The body of Jesus was placed in a borrowed tomb, belonging to a rich man by the name of Joseph of Arimithea.
Our Lord’s body was buried late on Wednesday afternoon. The women rested that evening to celebrate Passover, which began at sunset that evening. Very early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, the women left Bethany, which was about 2 miles from Jerusalem, and arrived at the tomb just after sunrise. The sun had already risen before they reached the tomb.
When they arrived, they discovered a lot of things happening.
Disturbing Earthquake, v. 2
Earthquakes are mentioned several times in the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. There was an earthquake when Jesus was crucified. Then as well, there was an earthquake surrounding the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Earthquakes reveal several things:
- Reveals God’s Power
- Reveals God’s Presence
- Reveals God’s Revelation–Law Given to Moses
- Reveals God’s Judgments–In Ezekiel 38:19, God speaks of a great shaking. It is in the context of a time when God will judge the earth.
Decisive Intervention, v. 2
The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out, but to let the people on the outside into the tomb.
When they got inside the tomb, there was what appeared to be a young man with a long stately robe, so long that it appeared to sweep the ground. Young men on the earth did not wear that kind of robe. It had to be an angel.
Disabling Amazement, v. 5, “Fear Not”
Delightful Declaration
A. About Jesus’ location: “He is not here,” v. 6
B. About Jesus’ resurrection: “He is risen,” v. 6
C. About Jesus’ delegation: “the disciples,” v. 7
D. About Jesus’ visitation: “there ye shall see Him,” v. 7
Definite Worship
The women “held Him by the feet and worshiped Him,” v. 9
Designated Responsibility, v. 10
Conclusion
What a joy to take a trip to the empty tomb through the eyes of the Word of God and through faith!