In order for there to be a resurrection, there must first be a death. Did Jesus really die? Did He plot or fake His death, as many skeptics have surmised? Matthew 27 vs 50 lays to rest any rumours concerning His death.
A STRONG SHOUT “And when Jesus had cried out again in a LOUD voice, He gave up His Spirit.” We learn two things from this all important verse. First, Jesus gave up His Spirit which is a euphemism for death. Secondly, a loud voice is a shout of victory. Are you still not convinced? Then let John 19 vs 34 remove any lingering doubts.
A SOLDIER’S SPEAR “One of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with his spear bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” If Jesus was not already dead at this point, that spear to His heart would have certainly confirmed His death. You might be saying to yourself…so what? Jesus died but I still do not believe He was raised from the dead.
STICKY SPICES In John’s account the Jewish burial customs were followed completely. In John 19 vs 39 and 40 it says “Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes” (which weighed out at approximately 75 pounds) “Jesus’ body was then wrapped with spices in strips of linen.” These spices would harden and suffocate the Lord if He was still alive.
SECURE SEAL Matthew 27 vs 60 tells us, “So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting a guard.” This had the authority of the Roman government behind it. If anyone was found tampering with the tomb or its contents they would have been immediately executed.
SIZEABLE STONE Mark16 vs 3 says “When they looked up, they saw the stone that was very large was rolled away.”
A SHOCKING SCAM (The wrong tomb) People did not go to the wrong tomb, as it was owned by Joseph and the Angels certainly would not have gone to the wrong tomb.
THE SEPARATE STRIPS When Peter arrived at the tomb, he saw the burial cloth folded separate from the linen strips. This arrangement is of vital importance. The linen strips clearly demonstrated the form of the Lord’s body and were slightly caved in like a caterpillar’s cocoon. It looked like Jesus passed right through His grave clothes.
THE STANDING SAVIOUR Mary Magdalene turned around and saw Jesus standing there. (See John 20 vs 14) Jesus also made many post resurrection appearances to many people over the next 40 days. What do you see when you look into the empty tomb? It is empty. This is an established historical fact affirmed by many historians who are still atheists.
A STOLEN SAVIOUR If the body of Jesus had been found, it would have been paraded before the watching world and this would have been an end to Christianity.
SUPERNATURAL SERMONS The disciples preached with tremendous power after Jesus ascended on high, as this also fulfilled the promise that He would send His Holy Spirit.
A SAVED SOUL Jesus not only transformed the disciples, but He also saved them and anyone who will confess their sins and receive Christ as their own personal Lord and Saviour. Then Jesus will not only roll that stone away from your heart but greater still, He will give you a brand new Heart Transplant. “I will remove the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36 vs 26)
HE IS RISEN just as He said He would. Come and see the place where He lay…past tense. That is the true meaning of Easter.
Have a Blessed Easter this RESURRECTION SUNDAY.
Pastor Gary Tomiuck
Wainfleet Congregational Christian Church
