Focal passage: Luke 24:1-12
On April 21, 1986, over 30 million people tuned in to watch Geraldo Rivera and an excavation team open the vault of the gangster Al Capone. Located in the Lexington Hotel in Chicago, the vault was assumed to be filled with cash, treasures or even skeletons of Capone’s notorious past. Imagine the let down when on live TV the vault was opened, and nothing was there except dust and old bottles. The disappointment was evident on Rivera’s face.
Our text tells of the tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. When the women arrived with their spices, they too discovered an empty space, but their confusion quickly turned to astonishment as the angels declared Jesus was risen and alive just as He had said.
Peter ran to the tomb to find only the linen cloths. Jesus’ victory would later be confirmed as He appeared to Peter and others who also confirmed His bodily resurrection.
The empty tomb doesn’t bring the Christian disappointment, it delivers victory!
Jesus’ bodily resurrection sealed the victory over sin and death for the follower of Christ and brings salvation.
Unlike that fateful night in 1986 for Geraldo Rivera on live television, we look to an empty tomb with hope and confidence, not disappointment. Geraldo garnered an audience of thirty million, yet we can make a profound difference in the life of just one. Take time to share the gospel with at least one person this week. Share the victory that saved you. We serve a risen Savior. Rejoice!