Last week we discussed that an essential truth of Christianity is that Jesus rose from the grave. And as we said last week in 1 Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 15:17-20.
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life, we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
We discussed that there were six arguments against Jesus, rising from the dead. We briefly introduced all six of these arguments. Tonight we will tackle, in a little more detail, the empty tomb.
Some people claim that the reason the tomb was empty, is because somebody stole the body. Some skeptics will say that today, but that is nothing new.
Matthew 28:12-13
“When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’”
This is a pretty good example of being book, smart and street stupid. Can anybody figure out why this plan would never fool a wise person?
If the guards were sleeping, they wouldn’t have known what happened to the body. And if they were awake, they certainly would not have let anybody steal it.
In order for somebody to steal the body, they would need to have the motive, means, and opportunity. The Jewish leaders would not have the motive to steal his body. They’re the ones they wanted him dead in the first place. The Romans would not have a reason to steal his body. They wanted him to stay dead because they executed him. So the only other possible party is the disciples. But what motive would they have? What opportunity would they have?
At this time they were not running through the streets, proclaiming Jesus is Lord. They had all scattered after Jesus died, and we’re hiding in fear that this would happen to them. It doesn’t make logical sense that they would steal the body of their leader, who taught them not to steal. Then they would all tell a giant lie about stealing the body of the person who taught them not to lie. All this so they could be persecuted for the rest of their days. Ultimately dying for a lie? Doesn’t make sense.
The possible scenario that makes the most sense is that the tomb was empty, because Jesus rose from the dead.
Mark 16:5-6
“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.