The Empty Tomb

Matthew 28:1-10

The Resurrection

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.  2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow.4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him.10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

“Anyone can claim to be God, 
but Jesus backed it up with the empty tomb.”  ~ Lee Strobel

John 10:17-18 (ESV)
“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.
I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.
This charge I have received from my Father.”

“I recommend to you Jesus Christ, the unchanging One. I recommend to you God’s answer to your questions, God’s solution to your problems, God’s life for your dying soul, God’s cleansing for your sin-cursed spirit, God’s rest for your restless mind, and God’s resurrection for your dying body. For advocate above, I recommend Him to you. You will find Him to be all He ever was–the very same Jesus.” ― A.W. Tozer, The Attributes of God: Deeper into the Father’s Heart

“No tabloid will ever print the startling news that the mummified body of Jesus of Nazareth has been discovered in old Jerusalem. Christians have no carefully embalmed body enclosed in a glass case to worship. Thank God, we have an empty tomb. The glorious fact that the empty tomb proclaims to us is that life for us does not stop when death comes. Death is not a wall, but a door.”  ― Peter Marshall

“The resurrection blasts apart the finality of death, providing an alternative to the stifling settling dust of death and opens the way to new life.” ― Billy Graham

“The resurrection of Christ changed the midnight of bereavement into a sunrise of reunion; it changed the midnight of disappointment into a sunrise of joy; it changed the midnight of fear to a sunrise of peace.” ―Billy Graham

“Christ broke the bonds of death by His resurrection, and from that moment on, Satan was a defeated foe.” ― Billy Graham

Revelation 5.12

To Know Jesus as Lord and Savior

Images: Pinterest

Scripture Writing Challenge, 4/5/26

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
Matthew 28:5-6

Salvation

Hope for today: He himself bore our sins

“He himself bore our sins” in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by His wounds you have been healed.”
1 Peter 2:24

Salvation

The other robber…

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. Hebrews 9:27-28
Blessings today! Honor, glory, majesty, and thanksgiving to our God!

The Other Robber

SSsssooo Jesus assured the one robber, “And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise Luke 23:43).” Shout now, Hallelujah!!!
What about the other robber? Let’s look at his words to Jesus, “One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us (Luke 23:39)!” His focus was on the here, the now, on his present situation with no confession of his sin (crime). There is no remorse for his sin. Just a “I don’t like this situation I’m in and if you really are a king, do something about it.”
Jesus came to seek and save the lost and gives every man a choice for eternal life or eternal death.

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him (John 3:16,36).”

God offers every man a choice. Each of us gets to choose God is or God isn’t. Each of us gets to choose Jesus is the Son of God and Son of Man or Jesus is not. Each of us is given the right to choose Jesus is Lord and Savior, the Christ or to make another choice.
What God does NOT allow man to do is to choose the consequences of his choice. The consequences are already defined in the Holy Bible, God’s love letter to man. Choose Jesus and receive eternal, abundant life. Any other choice yields the consequence of eternal separation from God, forever.
God has already declared this truth, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27).”

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).”

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).”

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).”

“But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will render to each one according to his works (Romans 2:5,6).”

“5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might (2 Thessalonians 1:5-9).”

“ For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).”

There is no neural ground. There is no Jesus plus anything. There is no Jesus plus anybody including self.

“How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will (Hebrews 2:3-4).

Today is the day of salvation! “As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion (Hebrews 3:15).”

“For He says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).”
Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart. No greater invitation has been or ever will extended, ““Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool (Isaiah 1:18).” “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).”
10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on ALL who call on Him. Romans 10:10-12

Salvation

Hope for today: “I find no fault in Him!”

Hopefortoday5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”
6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”
7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”
8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.
10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”
11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

John 19:5-11

Salvation

Two robbers…

Two thieves with Jesus

Therefore I will give Him a portion among the great,
and He will divide the spoils with the strong,
because He poured out His life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For He bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12

Blessings…I reblog this post (and the next few days) every year at this time as I take a few days away from writing my thoughts in blog world. I pray you will find a blessing here as we take a pause and reflect upon our Loving, Gracious, Merciful God and Savior.

Yesterday’s post was entitled, “The thief on a cross…” but we know that it was not one thief but two – “There they crucified Him, and with Him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle (John 19:18).”

We also know that both men were guilty of transgressing the Roman government for Isaiah 53:12 (above) declares that Jesus was numbered with the transgressors. This is truth because it is a statement from God. These men transgressed the law.

We also know that the guilt of the transgressors was completely opposite, so unlike, Jesus for He never transgressed anyone, the law, or God. In fact, He is God. God on a cross. He is absolutely Holy, Righteous, Pure, Perfect, Sinless. This Great and Awesome God so desired to identify with man that He has come to rescue him and He willingly bears the shame of hanging among the transgressors.

Both men were robbers and both joined the others in heaping insults on Jesus. One would think that they would so concerned about their own condition that they would not be caught up in the crucifixion of Jesus. Perhaps they thought they would gain some type favor with the Romans by taking part. We don’t know.

We are not told the specific nature of the crimes these men committed but it must have been far greater than petty since they are hanging on a cross.

38 Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left. 39 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, 42 “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. 43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing. Matthew 27

So here we are at the take-away again. The moment of the so what…what do I take from this portion of the story that will grow my relationship with this same Jesus who was willing to bear shame to identify with me and my condition as He gave His life for me? Selah!

It would be easy to quickly say that I am no thief, never stole anything from anyone. I cannot relate. But there is a need to move from the obvious to ask a more meaningful question, have I ever robbed God or am I robbing Him even now? I believe this to be an important question for all mankind is at the Cross of Calvary.

The easy one is from Malachi 3:8, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” But there are other ways of robbing God so let’s begin a list below:

  • Worship and devotion – so many ‘g’od’s today. The Lord desires that we have no other “g”ods…that would be no one or nothing loved, treasured or valued greater than we do Him. Surely the cross tells that He deserves our love, worship and devotion, that there can be no other ‘g’od, no competition. Jesus and Jesus alone, not Jesus plus anybody or anything. Am I robbing God? Exodus 20:3, Matthew 22:37-38, Romans 1:25
  • Love – Is it possible to not love the One who first loved us and proved it at the Cross giving us redemption and forgiveness? Does my life demonstrate my love…with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind and all my strength? Am I robbing God? 1 John 4:19, Luke 10:27, John 14:15, 1 John 5:3
  • Fellowship, communion, pray – we are a busy, busy society with time for everyone and everything but God. He created us for Himself and yet in our busyness is it possible that we do not have time to spend with Him in fellowship, communion, prayer…to behold His beauty, to hear His voice, to know His touch? Am I robbing God? Luke 10:39-42; Psalm 27:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
  • Praise – The LORD is Creator, Redeemer, I AM, Sovereign, the Giver of Salvation. We live, move, and have our being in Him. He is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory…we know this. Is it possible that we sometimes we manage to praise ourselves, our children, pocketbooks, intellect, possessions and connections more than Him. Am I robbing God? Exodus 3:14, Isaiah 45:5-6, Hebrews 1:3, 2 Peter 1:3
  • Service – Our God has given us so many gifts, talents, and skills. We use them in our daily lives but am I being careful to use them for the cause of Christ and the building of His Kingdom? Jesus said “to whom much is given, much is required.” Am I robbing God? Luke 12:48, Matthew 25:14-30, Ephesians 4:11, Romans 12:6-8
  • Time – Am I giving my Savior more than the quick prayer in the car on the way to work? Am I taking time to encourage and serve others? Do I have quiet time with Him each day? Am I robbing God? Mark 6:30-32, Ephesians 5:15-17, Colossians 4:5
  • Obedience – My love should be for God should be proven in obedience, demonstration of faith and trust…am I robbing God? Mark 12:30, Psalm 18:30, 1 Samuel 15:22
  • Growth – Am I coming to the feet of Jesus that I would grow in His grace and Word so I could know Him in greater ways and He could use me in greater things in His Kingdom? Am I robbing God? John 17:3, Peter 2:2, Hebrews 5:12, 2 Peter 3:18
  • Glory – Am I robbing God of His glory and trying to establish my own? Isaiah 42:8, Ephesians 6:11-14

Certainly there are more ways to rob God than listed above and the Scripture listing could go on and on…but I believe the Lord would have so love Him and so express our gratitude by not robbing Him of the what He endured shame, brutality, shedding of blood and life to give Him. May He strengthen us by His Spirit and Word that we would be found faithful.

Salvation

Images: Pinterest

Scripture Writing Challenge, 4/3/26

But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Salvation

Hope for today: the joy set before Him

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Salvation

The thief on a cross…

Two thieves with Jesus
There they crucified Him, and with Him two others–one on each side and Jesus in the middle. John 19:18

This is a repost but one that seems to bless those who visit here…I pray you will receive one today! Thanks so much for stopping here…

The following comment was made on my recent blog, “Forgive them…“:
“…I wish we knew more about the thief on the cross who recognized Jesus. He proves it is never too late to share our testimony!” I responded, “I do as well…”

This conversation is still with me and while we will not find any new information, I thought we could visit the Word God has so graciously given us in the four Gospel accounts. Today, let’s read them and discuss over the next two blogs. There is plenty for us to share together. Thanks once again for allowing BHM into your day. May the Lord always share His Word with us and we be blessed in His Holy presence.

Matthew 27
38 Two rebels were crucified with Him, one on His right and one on His left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at Him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 “He saved others,” they said, “but He can’t save Himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue Him now if He wants Him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with Him also heaped insults on Him.

Mark 15
27 They crucified two rebels with Him, one on His right and one on His left. [28]  29 Those who passed by hurled insults at Him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked Him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with Him also heaped insults on Him.

John 19
So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17 Carrying His own cross, He went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 There they crucified Him, and with Him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.”
22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

Luke 23
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals—one on His right, the other on His left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His clothes by casting lots.
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also came up and mocked Him. They offered Him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
38 There was a written notice above Him, which read: this is the king of the jews.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Salvation

Today2