Two Responses to the Empty Tomb

 

The Morning That Changed Everything - Matthew 28:1-15

Dear Friends, very early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake—the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone, and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, his clothing white as snow. The guards shook with fear and became like dead men (vv1–4).

But the angel spoke to the women: “Do not be afraid… He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead” (vv5–7). They ran from the tomb with fear and great joy, and Jesus Himself met them on the way. “Greetings,” He said. They fell at His feet, worshipped Him, and held Him. He repeated the angel’s words: “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me” (vv8–10).

Meanwhile, the guards went into the city and reported everything to the chief priests. The leaders bribed them with money to spread a lie: “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep” (vv11–13). They even promised to protect the soldiers if Pilate heard about it. So they took the money and spread the story—and that lie has been told among the Jews to this day (vv15).

Two responses to the empty tomb: trembling joy and worship from those who loved Jesus… and fear, lies, and bribery from those who refused Him. The resurrection is the hinge of history—either everything Jesus said is true and death is defeated, or the most elaborate hoax ever attempted. There is no middle ground.

Today, pause at that empty tomb with the women. Feel the earthquake in your own heart. Hear the angel’s words: “He is not here; he has risen.” Let the fear give way to joy. Let the joy give way to worship. Then run—tell someone. The risen Jesus still meets us on the way, still says, “Do not be afraid,” still calls us His brothers and sisters.

Point to Ponder: The empty tomb demands a response. Worship and witness are the only honest answers to the greatest miracle of all time.

Verse to Remember: “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:6 ESV)

Question to Consider: If the tomb really is empty—if Jesus really rose—what difference does that make in your life today? Who needs to hear you say, “He is not here; he has risen”?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church