People live from the stories which shape them.  Those who love superheroes are familiar with villain origin stories. Those who call themselves Christian are shaped by the Christian story.  But it’s not fiction or myth.  It’s the true story of God’s rescue plan to save sinners like you and me. 

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth. He created man and woman to bear His image and joyfully worship and obey. Yet, Adam and Eve obeyed a distorted and deceptive word over the word of the One True God.  Humans have rebelled against God ever since.  Our sin carries the consequence of physical and spiritual death.  

The Old Testament is a testimony to God’s rescue plan revealed by God choosing the family of Abraham to show God’s blessings to the nations. Yet, the nation of Israel, like Adam and Eve, rebelled.  Repeatedly, God provided circumstances and prophets to bring his people back.

The New Testament is a testimony to the life and ministry of Jesus, the fulfillment of the rescue plan.  He spoke the words of God, demonstrated the character of God, and did the work of God.  At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead to provide victory over sin and death. In time, Jesus will return for his church.  

In our day, the Holy Spirit indwells those who have faith in the completed and sufficient work of Jesus. The Spirit enables us, sanctifies us, and bestows spiritual gifts.

On Easter Sunday, we focus on the pinnacle of that rescue plan.  

Jesus, the Messiah, called everyday fisherman to be some of his early band of disciples.

            Jesus, the Messiah, spent time with the diseased and demon-possessed.  

            Jesus, the Messiah, made friends with outsiders, outcasts, and the overlooked.

            Jesus, the Messiah, gave hope to hopeless and life to the lifeless. 

After 20 chapters of ministry, Matthew then slows and uses 8 chapters to detail the story of Easter week.  On Easter Sunday, we zoom in upon the empty tomb. 

On Easter Sunday morning, the two Marys, who witnessed the body of Jesus laid in the tomb, made their way back to the spot. Matthew does not tell us, but they have come to anoint the dead body of their Lord. The other gospels make it clear they brought spices for such a task.

They expected to find the dead body of Jesus, to their amazement, the tomb was empty.

The light of the gospel was not extinguished. The kingdom of heaven was not defeated. Death did not win.

Jesus died but rose from the dead to eternal life.

What does this mean for you? Guaranteed future resurrection

Jesus died but rose from the dead to eternal life.

Those who place faith in the completed and sufficient work of Jesus will do the same.

Jesus was not merely raised from the dead.  He rose as the firstfruits. 

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed is death.  – 1 Corinthians 15:20-26

Paul speaks of how Adam’s sin had a universal effect on all who came after him.  The same applies to Jesus’ resurrection. 

Yet, a clear distinction must be made. All those bound to Adam share his banishment from Eden and his fate of death. All those bound to Jesus receive reconciliation and will share his resurrection. But not all people are in Christ. Since only believers are united with Christ, only believers will be made alive through Christ.  We are in Adam by nature and we are in Christ by faith.  Apart from faith in Christ, you still bear Adam’s curse. 

Those who trust in the completed and sufficient work of Jesus are guaranteed a future resurrection. 

Easter Sunday is a preview of eternity when all of those in Christ are raised to eternal life.

Now What? Proclaim Good News

If the tomb is empty … silence is not an option.  Matthew 20:8 give this glorious detail: “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, to tell his disciples.”  

These women were the first to preach the empty tomb because the men forfeited their opportunity by their cowardice. The disciples we know as “The Twelve” scattered at Jesus’ arrest.  Yet, these women were faithful to the end. They were rewarded with the opportunity to proclaim, “The tomb is empty; Jesus is alive!” 

“Afraid but filled with joy” is a fantastic description of the Christian life.  We are called to do hard things.  We can do hard things in the power of God and filled with joy. 

Conclusion

This is your purpose for working at Grocery Supply, Saputo, Ocean Spray, City National Bank.

This is your purpose for living in your neighborhood.

This is your purpose for the gift of being a spouse, parent, grandparent, neighbor, friend.

So don’t just go back to work – go back as a witness to the power of the empty tomb.

So don’t just go back home – go back as a witness to the power of the empty tomb. 

Does death get the final word?

Not anymore.

The tomb is empty.

Spread the word.