Friday, April 22, 2011

Kept Promise--Empty Tomb

KEPT PROMISE—EMPTY TOMB

(A study of Jesus Part 3 of 4)

Matthew 28:1-10 The Message v.9: “Then Jesus met them [Mary Magdalene and the other Mary], stopping them in their tracks. ‘Good morning!’ he said. They fell to their knees, embracing His feet, and worshipped Him.”



Battle’s Won on Knees devotion prefaced Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified. We learned how Jesus pleaded with His Father to skip the crucifixion thing, but the Father insisted that they finish what they’d started. Jesus obeyed, without whining or raising any more objections. He willingly walked to His own death. It’s no wonder that “It is finished” were His last words (John 19:30). We can almost hear Him sigh.


Easter Sunday, a couple grieving women with heavy hearts, trudged to the tomb. They brought spices with which to anoint Jesus’ body (Mark 10:1). They wondered aloud to each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance?” (Mark 10:3). They needn’t have fussed about details. An earthquake, (or was it an angel?) took care of their concern. The women saw someone sitting on the stone. Mark 28:3 says “his appearance was like lightening, and his clothes were white as snow.” He had a message:



“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” Can you see the women’s eyes bugging out of their heads? Their mouths wide open? He told them what to do. “Come and see the place where He lay.” You can see his outstretched arm, showing the place? He told them to hurry and give this news to the disciples—then go to Galilee—where they’d see Jesus!


What a morning! First total grief, then confusion, then hearts bursting with joy! All in about a minute. Our Lord of lords, King of kings isn’t here! Just as the two Mary’s didn’t have to wait long to see their risen Lord (see opening Scripture), neither do we. Jesus is right here, with us. Immanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23). Hallelujah!


Take Home Nugget


God kept every one of His promises and prophecies concerning the Messiah. (See Interactive-Online-Lesson). Jesus conquered death. He’s seated at the Father’s right hand right now, pleading on your behalf. He knows your name, where you live, and what you had for lunch today. The empty tomb is not just another promise kept, the empty tomb is the promise that matters most! What a comfort to know that our Savior is alive and watching over us—just like He said (Hebrews 7:25, 12:2).



Easter brings Christians into blessed fellowship Rejoicing Jesus’ resurrection. We share a common bond of unity Mutual faith in Him is our true connection.

J.D. Griffith


A personal, private lesson experience with our staff. Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

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