Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 27, 2016
“Empty Tomb Impact” Luke 24:1-12 Bible Study 03/27/16
Magnificent messages can shape the trajectory of individual lives as well as entire nations (think of Matthew Henry, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King, Jr.) Yet all messages pale in comparison to the message of the church that salvation/deliverance comes through faith in the resurrected Son Of God. The message of the empty tomb has the power to change the course of one’s eternal destiny. That message, first delivered in a Jerusalem cemetery at dawn on a long-ago Sunday morning, retains a timeless impact. As we think about the empty tomb this morning, it is important that we connect it to the occupied cross that preceded it. The cross and resurrection are inseparable aspects of Christ’s saving work. The cross testifies to the truth of God’s redeeming grace. The resurrection testifies to the triumph of God’s transforming power.
I. Observe the empty tomb experience (1-3)
-context: women 23:55-56
-early dawn on Sunday
-stone rolled away
-empty tomb
II. Take note of the angelic address (4-8)
-perplexed women
-two dazzling “men”
-question
-declaration
-reminder
III. Resurrection results in true amazement (9-12)
-return and report
-three women
-“too good to be true”
-Peter: running, stooping , looking and marveling
IV. So what?
-Because the truth of the empty tomb has the capacity to change your life now and forever, ceaselessly celebrate it with fixed amazement.
-Don’t forget to remember!
-“Christ’s resurrection not only gives you hope for the future; it gives you hope to handle your scars right now.” (Tim Keller)
-Are you living a life which is stupid if Christ isn’t raised from the dead?
-The whole point of Easter: that you may have God as your highest joy
-“If you do not bow/worship/trust/obey, you commit high treason against the King who is Lord over all.” (John Piper)
-“Crown Him the Lord of heav’n, Enthroned in worlds above, Crown Him the King to whom is giv’n The wondrous name of love. Crown Him with many crowns, And thrones before Him fall; Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns, For He is Lord of all.” (M. Bridges/G. Thring)
