from Pastor Todd
Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10
From sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, the tomb would have remained quiet except for the guard which had been posted to watch over it. The women, who had witnessed the crucifixion and burial and had prepared spices and perfumes for the body, had to wait during the Sabbath. So, the body of Jesus lay in the tomb, and the Pharisees still congratulated each other on their victory, the friends of Jesus still mourned and wondered, and the guards still made sure that nothing out of the ordinary happened. But something was about to happen which was far beyond any human plot or precaution, for death had no legal claim upon the One who had died. The authority of death is through sin (see Romans 5:12), but Jesus had committed no sin. Therefore, the sentence of true death, eternal separation from God, could not be enacted against Him. The grave had no right to hold Him. What came next had to happen to preserve the justice of God’s laws, and those who had confirmed the death and burial would now see and hear the triumph of the King’s work.
The guards (Matthew 28:2-4). Sometime in the night, probably shortly before daybreak, the guards assigned to the tomb were disturbed by a severe earthquake. This alone might have been attributed to an aftershock of the tremors felt on Friday (see Matthew 27:51), but the appearance of an angel descending from above signified that it was no natural occurrence. The guards did not dare to intervene when the angel broke the seal and rolled away the stone which covered the entrance of the tomb. Apparently, they were somewhat blinded by the brightness of his appearance, and their fear prevented them from making any movement other than trembling until they were struck down in a faint. The angel sat upon the stone he had moved as if to guard the tomb from the guards who most likely fled as soon as they recovered sufficient strength (see Matthew 28:11).
The women (Luke 24:1-8). Joseph and Nicodemus had already applied spices to the body of Jesus when they buried Him (see John 19:39-40), but the faithful women who had followed Him from Galilee wanted to add their tribute as well. They had prepared some spices and perfumes before the Sabbath (see Luke 23:55-56), and, as soon as the shops opened Sunday morning, they purchased more to take to the tomb (see Mark 16:1). As they approached the area of the tomb, they were concerned about how they would be able to anoint the body since the entrance was closed (see Mark 16:3). But when they arrived, they discovered that the stone had already been moved. They went in to search for the body, but it was gone. Suddenly, they were frightened by the appearance of two angels next to them. One of the angels told them that Jesus had risen and invited them to examine the place where His body had been laid (see Mark 16:6). The angels reminded them that Jesus had said He would rise from death on the third day (see Luke 9:22), so there was no point in looking for Him among the dead. They instructed the women to take the good news to the disciples so they could prepare to meet Him in Galilee (see Mark 16:7). The women ran from the tomb, filled with fear and joy (see Matthew 28:8; Mark 16:8).
The disciples (John 20:2-10). The women went straight to the disciples with their incredible news, but it was too much for them to comprehend. They would not believe that Jesus had really risen (see Luke 24:10-11). Mary Magdalene talked especially to Peter and John. She was distraught, not sure what to believe herself, and wondered if someone had stolen the body. Perhaps she thought the Romans or Jews had removed the body to a criminal’s grave. Finally, Peter and John ran to investigate while Mary Magdalene followed. John arrived at the tomb first, but when he paused at the entrance to look inside, Peter pushed by him and actually went in before him. The linen wrappings were lying in a heap and the face cloth was rolled up by itself at a little distance. It was not the work of thieves, for they would hardly have unwrapped the body before taking it. John entered to see the evidence with Peter and then he believed what the women had reported and what Jesus had predicted. The two went away convinced of the resurrection but still uncertain of what to do next.
Today, we see the empty tomb as a symbol of victory because we know that it signified the resurrection of Jesus. But to the disciples and the women who came to anoint His body that morning, the sight of the stone rolled away and the discarded grave clothes brought a mixture of fear, hope, joy, and confusion. They wanted to believe, but it was so far out of their experience that they were not sure what to trust. An empty tomb meant that the body was not there, but whether it had been removed through a miracle or an awful trick was more than they could say. Even the message of the angels did not completely take away their doubts and hesitations. The resurrection was too much for them to hope for, and they looked for clearer proof. Faith is supposed to trust in God’s promises even when it cannot see, but it must sometimes grow through disbelief and uncertainties. If we are honest, we realize that we are often not much different in our responses than those who first saw the empty tomb. We want to believe, but we find it hard to look past our experiences and circumstances to see God’s power.
Are you feeling the stress of our uncertain times? Jobs lost or in jeopardy, financial plans upended, no clear solutions to oil spills, border security, wars, debt, and costs of education and healthcare. When people feel they are on the edge, cracks begin to appear in relationships, decisions, and lifestyles. They look for solutions that will hold their dreams and perspectives together. They look for someone or something to provide security in their doubt. We can push for political change or complain about proposed changes, but that does little to ease the anxiety that creeps into the hearts and minds of the people we serve. God has a plain, foundational truth that should draw our attention and hope like a lighthouse beacon in a sea of tumult.
Thanks is more than just a feeling. It is something you give. It is not assumed. It must be demonstrated in word and action.
