The Resurrection of Christ and the Meaning of the Empty Tomb

Easter Day

Easter Season Third Edition

Gospel Matthew 28:1–8 Christ is Risen

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. Suddenly the earth shook and quaked, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven. He came to the tomb, rolled back the stone, and sat on it. His light was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and fell to the ground like dead men.

The angel turned to the women and said, “Do not be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen. He is going ahead of you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is what I told you.”

The women left the tomb immediately, both afraid and overjoyed, and ran to tell Jesus’ disciples. (Matthew 28:1–8 Third Edition)

A Deeper Look at the Meaning of Easter

Easter is one of the most important holidays in Christianity, reminding us of Jesus’ catastrophic sacrifice and his amazing resurrection. Chapter 28 of the Gospel of Matthew provides a story that has changed history. The empty tomb has a powerful symbolism, and it brings light as a gift to every believer. This Easter sermon sheds light on why the empty tomb plays a central role in the fulfillment of our faith. The message of the Resurrection, revealed to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, is not just a historical event; it is a source of hope for every believer. Let us examine what Matthew’s account teaches us and how it continues to affect our lives.

The Empty Tomb and Testimonies

The events of Matthew’s Gospel begin when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrive at the tomb after the Sabbath. The women had a clear objective: to honor Jesus and show their love. Historically, many religions have downplayed the role of women, making their visit a significant symbol of courage and loyalty. When they arrive at the tomb, they encounter an angel who says, “Do not be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen.” This moment is a turning point that truly begins an era of hope, where death is no longer final.

Matthew emphasizes the empty tomb and confirms that the events are not just a fairy tale. This was not just another Passover—it was a powerful testimony that still resonates with believers today. The women knew the place where Jesus was buried. This makes it impossible for the women to be mistaken. This also removes any doubt and speculation that they had gone to the wrong place.

Moments of Doubt and Uncertainty

Although the women received the news of the resurrection, they did not immediately understand its meaning. They were filled with fear and joy; they felt the seriousness of the situation, but they were also happy about what was happening. This feeling is familiar to many believers today. The resurrection was an impossible idea at that time. According to history, many believed that the resurrection would not happen until the end of the world. Jesus’ prophecies had not yet been clarified, which shows how difficult it was to internalize the truth: Christ, the Son of God, had conquered death.

The truth began to be revealed when the women returned to tell the disciples about the resurrection. At first, the disciples did not believe the women’s story, but when Jesus appeared to them, their doubts disappeared. This encounter is the essence of Christ’s resurrection. When Jesus finally met the disciples, they understood that their Master had risen from the dead. This moment is a turning point that brings hope and confirmation to all of us. The resurrection of Christ helps us to understand that our own future resurrection is also possible. It is a promise that is confirmed by more than 2,000 years of history.

The Resurrection and the Basic Message of Faith

The basic message of the Christian faith focuses on the fact that God the Father raised his Son Jesus from the dead. Through this faith, we are forgiven of our sins and live as children of God. The message of Easter includes this: all our sins have been forgiven because of Jesus’ atoning work, and in the future we await our own resurrection and that of our loved ones. The resurrection is not just a historical event, it is a promise to us. It means that the power of death has been defeated. It brings peace and certainty: we are saved and live in hope. The empty tomb has a deep meaning; it is the foundation of our faith, inspiring us to live a meaningful life.

How can we benefit from this today

Why is the empty tomb significant this year? This event continues because it offers ongoing hope and peace. The challenges of our time, such as economic uncertainty, climate change, and personal crises, can seem overwhelming. The message of Easter reminds us that even though we do not understand everything, we can still trust that God is in control. When we face difficulties, we can turn to the power and meaning of the resurrection. Christ’s victory over death brings comfort and strength to our daily lives. Empty tombs are not just history; they encourage us to live lives filled with hope and joy.

The Empty Tomb and the Fullness of Life

The resurrection of Christ is close to the heart of every believer. It is not just past history, but has practical meaning for the present and the future. The Gospel of Matthew teaches that the empty tomb has much to offer—it is a reminder that Jesus has conquered death and that we have hope in the resurrection.

The women ran from the tomb, afraid, but also joyful — a feeling that is familiar to all of us. With the Easter message, we are called to live as children of God with courage. The empty tomb gives us the opportunity to grow, to learn as well as to overcome, because Jesus lives, and we get to live in him.