The Empty Tomb

Easter Sunday: March 31 | by Dr. Jay Harley

A Note About the Video

Video Transcript:

In Luke 9, at the supernatural transfiguration experience, Luke records that the conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah was about Jesus' departure which He was to soon accomplish in Jerusalem.

I want you to notice something here at the possible Caiphas's house. Jesus is not in shackles today. He was temporarily captive somewhere on that night before His crucifixion. Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, the Romans, and the shackles could not hold Jesus. His victory was always certain.

As you visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, first built in 336 A.D., you can see pilgrims, worshipers, and sightseers entering this ancient church, which is possibly built over the spot where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the grave. There is no way to know for sure if this is the exact spot. Much tradition has connected this area to Jesus' crucifixion and burial.

Like the shackles in the dungeon, there is no body still hanging on the cross and no body laying in the tomb. Jesus defeated death, and through His life, we can live! Through the victory of Jesus, we are free from the bondage of sin and free to live forever.

In Galatians 4:4-7, Paul says,

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."

Through the sacrifice and victory of Jesus Christ, God has freed us from the shackles of sin and adopted us into His forever, global, and complete family. We are not just God's acquaintance or friend. Through faith in Christ, we are part of His family, and will forever be in His divine care.

The shackles of sin do not need to imprison us. The certainty of physical death does not need to scare us. The victory of Jesus gives us the opportunity to be free. We are free from the bondage of sin and free to live for and with Christ.

Dr. Jay Harley serves as Vice President for Student Affairs at Dallas Baptist University.