The Ultimate Easter Egg

The Ultimate Easter Egg

Luke 24:1-12

March 31, 2002: Easter morning

Introduction

Recently, an article was published that revealed the secrets of hidden “surprises” in computer software and video games. Programmers add these surprises to give the programs an added appeal. Some of the examples were funny like hidden message” I’m being held prisoner in a software factory.” Others were meant to entertain like a hidden computer pinball game in the Microsoft ward 97 program and hidden virtual picture of the mountain peaks and blue skies in Microsoft Excel 97.

Do you know what these little hidden software surprises are called? Easter eggs.

It somehow seems fitting that these surprises are called Easter Eggs. The process of finding these hidden programs is much like an Easter Egg hunt. First, you have to search for the hidden program. Second, you have to find the hidden surprise and finally, you make the discovery.

The same is true of the first Easter morning. Today, I want you to get a glimpse of God’s surprise for your life as we look at the ultimate Easter Egg.

Read Luke 24:1-12

Body

I. There must be a search

1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

A. The women went to find the body of Jesus

1. The stone was rolled away

a.) The tomb had been open in an unusual fashion

1.) We must remember that the stone that closed the tomb was very large and could have weighed nearly a ton or more

2.) The tombs were sealed by a circular wheel like stone that fit the opening nearly exact and were extremely difficult to remove

3.) The tomb of Jesus was also sealed by either use of wax or cement that further closed the tomb

b.) This was cause for alarm

1.) They did not understand what has happening

2.) They did not remember the teachings of Jesus

2. The body of Jesus was gone

a.) The women searched for the body

1.) The tomb was likely somewhat large because Joseph of Arimethea was wealthy and this tomb was meant for his family. It would likely have two chambers, one small chamber that was for an entrance and a much larger chamber for burials

2.) The body of Jesus was gone. It was nowhere to be found

b.) The meaning of this event

1.) The first conclusion: the body was stolen

a.) Remember, these women did not expect Jesus to rise from the dead. They watched him die, they went when Joseph buried Jesus and now came with expensive perfumes and oils to anoint the body

b.) The first and most logical conclusion was that the body was stolen

2.) The second conclusion: Jesus was raised from the dead

B. People all around us are searching

1. There is a deep spiritual hunger

a.) Sept. 11th triggered a massive shift back toward spiritual things. Phrases like: “In God we trust” and “God bless America” were everywhere

b.) The search leads people in the wrong direction sometimes and leads to spiritual confusion

2. Muslim convert Illustration

Dr. Seamands tells of a Muslim who became a Christian in Africa. "Some of his friends asked him, ’Why have you become a Christian?’ He answered, ’Well, its like this. Suppose you were going down the road and suddenly the road forked in two directions, and you didn’t know which way to go, and there at the fork in the road were two men, one dead and one alive--which one would you ask which way to go?’"

3. Key questions

a.) What are you searching for in life?

b.) Where are searching?

II. There must be a surprise

4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 `The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ "

A. The women are greeted by the angels

1. The angels arrive

a.) The women were still trying to make sense of what was going on and two angels arrive

b.) The angels ask a powerful question: Why do you look for the living among the dead?

2. The angels bring good news