Day 8: The Empty Tomb

READ

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. Luke 24:1–12

Read also Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; John 20:1–10.

REFLECT

The empty tomb is a foundational belief of every Christian. It symbolizes the fulfillment of a promise as well as hope and victory. The resurrection account in the Gospel of Luke shows that Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary, mother of James, discovered the empty tomb. After hearing the good news, the women ran to tell the other disciples. Their quick response to the resurrection was to obey the command of spreading the word (Matthew 28:7). But the reactions they got—confusion, disbelief, and even fear—mirror how we sometimes respond to God’s work when it doesn’t fit our expectations.

Faith in God overcomes doubt. Whereas the disciples initially dismissed the women’s report as untrustworthy, Peter chose to go and see the empty tomb for himself. Faith often starts with a step towards encountering God personally, even in the midst of doubt. Where do you put your absolute hope? Today, may you respond to the good news of the empty tomb and put your faith in Christ.

The resurrection reminds us that God’s power is greater than our greatest fears and failures. We can trust Him even when circumstances seem bleak. Just as the empty tomb testified to Christ’s victory, our lives should testify to the hope and transformation found in Him.

The truth is, the resurrection wasn’t unexpected; it is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise. The empty tomb signifies that death, our ultimate dead end, has been completely defeated and that eternal life is available to all who believe. The disciples eventually understood this truth, which transformed the way they lived and enabled them to boldly preach the gospel for the rest of their lives.

God’s promises are trustworthy. The angels at the tomb reminded the women, “He is not here, but has risen! Remember how he told you.” In Matthew 28:11, the Roman guards witnessed the same thing and were instructed to give another story. But no amount of misinformation could thwart what Jesus had repeatedly spoken of through direct statements, parables, and Scripture references about His death and resurrection. He eventually accomplished everything He had said. Though there are many that oppose this message, the truth stands: He is risen.

Even His disciples struggled to understand or believe this. Like us, they did not fully understand or realize God’s plans for their lives. In spite of this, God still always fulfills His promises. We are called to trust in Him and be His witnesses. As the women did, the empty tomb calls us to spread the hope of Christ to those who need Him. When we encounter God Himself and have faith in Him, this leads to a life of witnessing for Jesus—of who He is and what He has done for us.

The empty tomb isn’t the end of the story; it points to the eternity we have in Christ.

“Christ Arose”

by Robert Lowry

Up from the grave He arose

With a mighty triumph o’er His foes

He arose a Victor from the dark domain

And He lives forever, with His saints to reign

He arose! He arose!

Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed

Jesus, my Savior

Vainly they seal the dead

Jesus, my Lord

Death cannot keep its Prey

Jesus, my Savior

He tore the bars away

Jesus, my Lord!

RESPOND

• The empty tomb is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. What areas in your life do you need to live in greater victory? How does the resurrection of Jesus give us hope in our current situations and even beyond the grave?
• The disciples were initially confused and fearful. How does the empty tomb deepen your faith when faced with doubt or uncertainty? Write a short prayer or letter to Jesus, praising Him for His sacrifice and victory over sin and death. Reflect on how His resurrection impacts your life and what it means for your future.
• Do you know anyone in your life who needs to hear the hope of the empty tomb? How can you share the message of Christ’s resurrection with them this week?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the powerful reminder of the empty tomb, a clear victory over death and sin. I repent of any unbelief or hesitation. Help me grow in my faith with the community you have given me. May we honor You for fulfilling Your promise through the resurrection of Jesus, giving us a full life and eternal hope. Strengthen our faith and trust in moments of fear and doubt, and help us live out and boldly proclaim the good news of Christ’s victory. May our lives reflect Your glory and goodness to the people You have placed around us. Amen.

SONG

Wonderstruck

by AWAKE84