As I look back 2,000 years ago, my focus is drawn to the large stone that rolled away from where Jesus was buried.
The Stone. Experts say that the stone may have weighed as much as two tons. It was so heavy that it would take 20 men to move it. On top of that, it was tethered with strong rope to the cavern and a wax seal was placed on it. However, an angel could easily move the stone.
“And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.” Matthew 28:2
The Empty Tomb. Everyone agrees that the tomb was empty, even unbelievers who deny the resurrection story. Jesus’ body was gone, no one could produce His body. When John looked in the tomb, he saw the clothes that Jesus wore were still in the tomb (John 20). The grave clothes were in the form of a body, slightly caved in but empty; undisturbed. As we peer in the tomb, we know that Jesus is the great overcomer, He overcame death.
And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. John 20:5-7
Seen by over 500 people. Jesus appeared to multiple people after his resurrection. Men, women, groups, and individuals saw Jesus after his resurrection. “He (Jesus) was seen by more than 500 brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died”. 1 Corinthians 15:6 Think about it, if you brought each person in a courtroom to give their testimony for just 5 minutes, you would have over 1.7 days of testimony to the reality of the risen Christ. I
He died for you. Why did Jesus die in the first place? We have all sinned. The wages of sin is death and the penalty of death must be paid. It was Jesus who willingly hung in agony between two thieves and paid the penalty for your sin. When Jesus rose from the dead, that is the receipt that your sin (past, present and future) has been paid. When Jesus’ died on the cross, all your sins were future.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Your life is meaningful. Your life is meaningful and important. Knowing that Jesus died for you, can change your outlook from disappointment and discouragement to joy and hopefulness. Jesus can make a difference in your life. Easter is a day to reflect on not just the suffering Jesus’ but the one who conquered the grave and is alive today.
Your death is not final. The statistic on death is 100%. When you become a Christian, you can be certain that death is not final. When you put your trust in Jesus Christ, your body goes in the grave, but your soul and spirit go to be with God in heaven. Seeing a loved one who is a Christian dying, we know a beautiful transition to heaven is taking place. We are sad because we will miss them, but we know where they are, who they are with, and that we will be with them one day. For those who have not put their trust in Jesus, their soul and spirit are sadly separated from God forever (it’s a choice).
It’s a Step of Faith. If you want to know for sure you are going to heaven, take a step of faith. Be sorrowful for your sins, ask Jesus for forgiveness and pray for Christ to come into your heart. Now follow Him and step into a new life of a relationship with Jesus.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”. Hebrews 11:1
Take the Gift
We celebrate Easter because of the empty tomb. It’s the gift of Jesus’ overcoming death, the resurrection. It’s the gift of grace greater than all our sin. It’s the gift of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit when we accept Jesus as our savior. It’s the gift of the assurance that we’ll live forever in heaven one day. Who would not want to accept a free gift that offers so much?
Easter is about receiving a gift that changes everything.