An empty tomb is one of many infallible proofs that Jesus is alive. Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of James exercised their faith in Jesus when they went to anoint his body, what they thought was a dead body. Faith not only moves mountains, it moves the heart of God when we step out in actions that bring honor and glory to Him.
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. v. 1
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. v. 2 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. v. 3 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. v. 4
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. v. 5 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. v. 6 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” v. 7 Matthew 28:2 – 7 NIV
Elucidation on the Empty Tomb Scriptures
Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of James (Mark 16:1) went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. They were visited by an angel. The angel rolled the stone away. The men guarding the tomb were unable to move being struck with fear.
The angel told the women that Jesus was not there because he had risen and told them to quickly go and tell the disciples that he had risen from the dead and gone ahead of them to Galilee. And the women would see Jesus there.
Key Aspects of this Angelic Account:
a. Jesus rose on the first day of the week. God is the first and last, the Alpha and Omega, and the author and finisher of our faith.
b. It was women, not the men who saw the empty tomb and met the angel.
c. The women went there to anoint Jesus’ body, which was a righteous act and a form of worship. God honors us when we honor Him.
d. The first messengers to tell of Jesus’ resurrection were women. He entrusted this momentous duty to women, although they were considered the lower class in those times.
Why am I emphasizing that He used women? Three reasons: 1) It speaks to the character of God. 2) God is no respect of persons, Acts 10:34, 35. 3) There is neither male nor female in Christ, Galatians 3:28, 29. He can use anyone and anything He chooses because He’s Sovereign.
That’s a weighty job to share of the empty tomb and the fact that Jesus had risen from the dead. However, I don’t think He chose them, Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of James, based on them being women, but because of their reverential, holy, worshipful love for God by going to anoint Jesus’ dead body.
Summary
Jesus is not dead. He is alive. During this holy week, may we spiritually bow in submission to His will and His Word as we worship Him in the Spirit and love Him for who he is, our resurrected Savior.
Happy Easter!
Your Sister in Christ,
Tanda Thompson
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