The Empty Tomb – A Clean Slate For Us!

More than 2000 years ago, just about this time of the year, Mary Magdalene and the other followers of Jesus were surprised to the view of an open and empty tomb which supposed to house Christ’s body. It was a sad sight to look at for those who have been following Jesus. The sight of that tomb, which they supposed was robbed, was a sad sight. The disciples of Jesus have already been told few days earlier of what would happen. Jesus already talked about His death on the cross and that in three days He would rise from the grave and be victorious over sin, Satan and death. This was to prepare His disciples of what was to come. But for His followers to feel helpless with the sight of the empty tomb, it shows that they doubted what Jesus have told them – they never understood what He was talking about.

It was not until an angel appeared and told them that the Lord Jesus is risen, and a few occurrences of Christ appearing before them, that they began to rejoice and feel secured again. Prior to His death, His disciples felt they had someone they could rely on – someone who could protect them from harm and provide their needs. What they did not understand was that it was through His death that they will be most protected and most secured. Because His death followed by His resurrection was the only way Satan would be defeated and secure everyone’s salvation, yours and mine. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, everyone will be declared righteous in God’s sight, declared forgiven, and when there is forgiveness there is life and salvation.

That dreadful sight of the empty tomb was supposed to be a glorious and beautiful sight if only the disciples believed in what Jesus said: “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day…” (Luke 24:46). If we were there during that moment, we would have felt the same way as the disciples felt. But we are blessed, for we have God’s Word today, the Holy Bible, telling us this wondrous account of the resurrection of Jesus that brought about our justification (a declaration that we are forgiven for Jesus’ sake) and we are able to celebrate with joy the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today, we look back and celebrate Christ’s resurrection with a smile and a heart full of joy. We look back on that empty tomb with thanksgiving – it was that empty tomb that has given everyone a clean slate, a new life freed from the bondage of sin.

Christ is risen, and with his resurrection we are given a clean slate – our sins are forgiven, and we are guaranteed of an everlasting life. Hell has no more power over us. Thanks be to God through the risen Christ! The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Halleluiah!

 

Resurrection Sunday Reflection by

Rev. Antonio del Rio Reyes
LCP President

 


Photo by Johanan Celine Valeriano / LCP (Mt. Pulag Summit, Kabayan, Benguet)