Entering the Tomb

The Empty Tomb

“Woman,” he said, “why are you crying?  Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him and I will get him.”

                                        (John 20:15)

“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it…the angel said to the women, “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.”

                                        Matthew 28:5-6

“…they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; he has risen!”

                                        Luke 24:4-6

“As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side and they were alarmed.  Don’t be alarmed,” he said.  “you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.  He has risen!  He is not here…but go and tell his disciples…”

                                        Mark 16:5-6

          In the four gospels, we find four different accounts of the resurrection.  No wonder we are sometimes puzzled about what we read in the Bible.  Who knows what happened after the death of Jesus.  The empty tomb is the one symbol that is consistent throughout the four gospels.  “He is not here.  He has risen!”  Whatever really happened to Jesus, he represents the continuation of life after death.  He rose, as we all do, to join others who have risen and continue the life of the soul.

Most of us have had vivid dreams about our loved ones who have died; dreams so vibrant that we know we have been visited.  Those dreams/visits are just as real as Jesus’ appearances to his disciples after the resurrection.  The loved one is there and they have a message for us.  That message is most often, “I am fine.  Do not worry.”  In Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid.”  The message of the empty tomb is do not be afraid of death.  There is life beyond the grave in the company of those who love you.  Be at peace about this, both for yourself and for your loved ones.

                    Thanks be to God,

                    Jane