THE EASTER VIGIL-C

I Reading: Romans 6:3-11

Gospel: Luke 24:1-12

JESUS’ EMPTY TOMB: ITS DISCOVERY, 24:1-12

None of the synoptic accounts agree in the details of the empty tomb. Luke, for instance, records two angels, as also does John. These apparent discrepancies rather tend to be proofs of historicity. The information by those who were present, the source material of the evangelists, was bound to vary for they had witnessed the most stupendous event in human history, the event without which the Christian faith would have no meaning.

The empty tomb was empty. Discovering the empty tomb was the greatest discovery in human history. However, the great tragedy is that most people either are not aware that Jesus arose or do not believe that He arose. Every person has to discover the fact for himself. The empty tomb and the risen Lord have to become a personal discovery for every person.

1.    The first day of the week (v.1)

2.    The first witness of the resurrection (v.1)

3.    The great stone rolled away (v.2)

4.    The body missing from the tomb (v.3)

5.    The two angels and their unbelievable message (v.4-8)

a. Their dazzling clothes

b. Their question

c. Their proclamation

d. Their reminder of Jesus’ prophecy

6. The immediate unbelief of the apostles (v.9-11)

a. The message of the resurrection is carried by women-initially

b. The message of the resurrection is accepted as nonsense

7. The continued unbelief of Peter (v.12)

a. He ran to see-hopefully

b. He saw evidence: Linen clothes folded and off to the side

c. He wondered

Thought: What is needed is to do as Peter did: run to the tomb to see what really did happen.

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