The Discovery Of The Empty Tomb Series

The discovery of the empty tomb

Luke 24:1-12

Introduction-

Good morning everyone, it is great to be with you and I am praying that the time we have together will be a blessing. I am thankful that you have invited me into your home, office, quiet place as we look to God’s word together. It is the new normal for at least awhile.

Prayer-

Father today, I thank you that we are able to get together and break open your word. May your word open a sensitive heart to receive from you what you have for us. May we also lift up all those who suffer with the Covid-19 virus. We pray for your intervention and healing. May you give peace to those who are now at unrest and replace joy for those who are filled with fear.

We may be separate in body right now for a season, but may you bless our time together by using technology so that we might worship together and experience your presence like never before.

In Jesus Name! Amen!

No matter how far apart we are this morning, we can celebrate Easter. Jesus has already been resurrected! Amen! It is a done deal!

During the time Jesus spent on this earth, and after his resurrection, the early church would greet each other in a unique way. When they gather, they would say to the other “He has Risen”, the other would respond, “He has risen indeed.” Right where you are this morning- I will say He has Risen- and you respond He has risen indeed”

Please turn to Luke 23 and then put your finger in Luke 24.

In a few minutes, we will read these scriptures but first allow me a minute to set this up.

Last week was Palm Sunday- Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilling prophecy and was greeted by crowds of people yelling Hosanna, Hosanna, Blessed be the name of the Lord!

How fast everything changed.

This is Holy Week- “The time between Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the resurrection of Christ.”

Jesus has been betrayed

He was disowned

He was mocked

He was beaten like the lowest of criminals and put on a cross and crucified.

There would be no worse way for a person to die than beaten, tortured and crucified on a cross. The most painful disgraceful way the Romans could think of to kill someone.

When Jesus was before Pilate

Pilate asked Jesus “Are you the King of the Jews?” yes, it is as you say.”

Pilate wanted to release Jesus because he found no fault but the crowd wanted him crucified.

The crowd wanted him so bad to die that way that they let Barabbas, a known thief and murderer to go free instead.

Pilate had one get out of jail free card and the crowd gave it to Barabbas.

Luke 23:32-43

I want you to know before we read of the resurrection of our Lord that every person who has ever heard the gospel message of Jesus Christ has a decision to make in their lifetime before they take their last breath-

Which criminal are you this morning? The one that cursed God, mocked everything that He stood for.

The one that was guilty of all the crimes he had committed and was about to receive his punishment.

Or are you the one who realized that he is getting what he deserved but was asking for God’s grace and mercy to remember him and save him when He entered back into the Father’s paradise.

The one that realized that this man has done nothing wrong but was on this cross for our sins and is offering us a way to be redeemed.

To the one that stayed in his rebellion, He paid for his crimes.

The other one- Jesus tenderly answered Him and said that the moment he died that he would be in paradise with Jesus. (He was pardoned for his sins)

If your heart is grateful, filled with gratitude of what Jesus has done, you will read this resurrection account and be stirred to thank God that He has loved us enough to go through this pain to complete the plan of salvation.

Someone should have a moment of praise for Jesus this morning!

Luke 24:1-12

After the Sabbath days rest, the women went to the tomb to prepare Jesus body for burial. OT Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5 told of how a body was to be prepared before final burial. The women went there in observance of the law.

In each of the gospel accounts, they were met by angelic beings that illuminated the tomb.

The darkness of the crucifixion, the entombment, Passover Sabbath, replaced by heavenly visitors that tell them…

“Why do you look for the living among the dead” “He is not here; He has risen”