FHBC Sermon Notes

Perhaps the best part of the story. Despite all that the sin of world or death itself could, none of it could overcome Jesus. He is victor over all.

V. 1 Mary Magdalene is concerned and upset. Who had moved the body? Is this verse who is the they? It might be the Romans, or the Jews, or perhaps even grave robbers. Caesar Claudius in fact made it a capitol crime to grave rob. Also, Jesus was buried in the grave of a rich man.

The fact that the grave was empty is one of the most valid pieces of evidence of the resurrection. Any enemies to Christianity need only produce the body to discredit them. This is an essential part of the faith. Without the resurrection, without the new body, Christianity has nothing to stand on, and as Paul says, we are most to be pitied.

V. 5 the linens were left. This is a crucial piece of evidence, and shows robbers were not likely since this linens were quite valuable. The linens were in two places. The ones for the body were laying as if Jesus as arose out of them without disturbing them, something very supernatural, while the face cloth was neatly folded, a very physical bodily action. Interesting dichotomy. It also is in contrast to Lazurus resurrection. This is different and is more that just resuscitation.

V. 8 What does it take to believe? In this case, John is the one who first understands that Jesus is raised from the dead. Peter and Mary don't seem as of yet to have reached that conclusion. None of them yet understand the scriptural basis for the resurrection. Much of the focus of what Jesus teaches them following his resurrection is that scriptural. Wow! How awesome is that. No wonder so much of the epistles and the life of the church after Jesus are about studying, teaching, and living the Word of God.