Readings; 1 Corinth 15:19-26 & Luke 24:1-12
1 Corinthians 15:19-26 “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)
Luke 24:1-12 “But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.” But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.” (Luke 24:11-12)
Luke reminds us that the empty tomb was a step too far for the disciples. The empty tomb was too confronting for first century thinking. Still it is the empty tomb that the gospel writers concentrate on.
1]. The empty tomb is a Mystery:
a]. We have no parallel experience in life to compare it with.
Peter returned to the disciples wondering. thaumazo, to wonder. It is a very positive wondering. It is a reaction of trust not an action of unbelief. It is a mystery which does not leave us despairing but wondering.
b]. This passage sees Jesus move from shame to glory.
c]. God has done a New thing.
2]. It demonstrates that God is in control.
a]. God does what he says he will.
b]. The Spirit blows were he wills.
3]. The empty tomb means that we can meet the risen Christ who is Lord and God. Death could not hold him. life. In saying yes to Jesus God has said yes to you and me.
There are many questions in life that we cannot answer. Life is neither easy nor straightforward. Jesus is risen and so is not locked into any particular time and space. He is available to all. We have an empty tomb, a risen saviour, God who is with us at all times.
A). Are our minds ready for Jesus?
B). Are our spirits ready for Jesus?
C). Are our lives ready for Jesus?
The victory of Easter is never ending. It has substance, it is based in fact and it has changed life.
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