Sunday Sermon Summary – April 05 2026
At the Empty Tomb
John 20: 1-18
We understand that Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the resurrected Jesus. She came to the tomb on the third day early morning when it was still dark. She was shocked to see that the stone that closed the tomb was thrown away and when she looked inside, the tomb was empty.
1. There is Conquest
John 20:1
Mary did not know what had happened earlier that night. Two angels came down and there was bright light during midnight. They threw away the stone that covered the entrance of the tomb. The guards who were guarding the tomb fell down like dead. The tomb could not hold Jesus. Jesus had conquered death. He made an open show that death will not have dominion over Him. He came to this world to set us free from sin and from death. We, who believe in Him; though we die, yet we will live. Jesus said, “Because I live, you will live also.” When we know our God, we are more than conquerors. Jesus has done it all for us.
2. There is Confusion
John 20: 13
Mary Magdalene didn’t know what had happened earlier. She only saw that the stone was thrown away and the body of Jesus was missing. She was perplexed and confused. She ran to the disciples who were hiding from the religious leaders and informed that the body of Jesus was missing. Two of the disciples, Peter and John immediately ran to the tomb. They saw exactly what Mary had told them and they went back home totally confused. They couldn’t comprehend that Jesus will rise from the dead. We who follow Jesus may go through times of confusion and grief. We may not understand what is happening. The open tomb tells us that though Jesus is risen from the grave for us, yet we may feel lost and confused in many situations.
3. There is Comfort
John 20: 16
The open tomb calls our attention to experience God’s comfort. Mary Magdalene was troubled; she did not leave the tomb as Peter and John did. The Bible says that she stayed there weeping. Jesus himself showed up and stood in front of her. She thought that it was the gardener and asked if He knew anything about the body of Jesus. Jesus called her by her name. He said, “Mary”. Mary immediately recognized Him and responded, “Rabboni”. Mary Magdalene became the first person to witness the resurrected Lord. What a blessing! The open tomb reminds us that Jesus will comfort His people. Before His crucifixion Jesus promised His disciples that He will never leave them orphaned. He said, “I will come to you again.”
On this Easter Sunday our Lord strengthens us that He is alive forever. He assures us that even when we do not feel His presence, we will receive His comfort. Amen!