Christ’s Tomb Revelation

Jesus was dead and buried in a borrowed tomb. The priests felt relieved to be rid of this prophet who had caused them so much trouble with people asking questions. He had claimed to be the son of God! The very idea! They had been following the laws of Moses and knew this man to be a blasphemer to their ears. Still, they could not explain how he had done many miracles and seemed to be able to even read their thoughts. Thus, he was able to avoid their traps to capture and discredit him. Jesus had escaped their clutches many times, but now they had caught him with the help of a betrayer, and convinced the government to put him to death, even though he had committed no real crime. They had accused him of stirring up the people. He was clearly against the Holy men and what they stood for. They still had enough influence that they had turned the crowds against Jesus at his trial. The mob was convinced that a murderer called Barabbas should be given freedom instead of this troublemaker. The crowed had clamored for his death and Pilot had given in to their wishes. It was rumored that Pilot had been warned by his wife not to be responsible for the death of this man and Pilot had publicly washed his hands of the whole affair.

Some in the streets said this man had healed them. Others call him a prophet, a priest, even a king. Those at work in the palace whisper that he, at trial, said that he could call legions of angels in his defense. Who but God could do this?

Now, this false prophet had been harshly bloodied and crucified. But there were strange happenings at the moment of his death. Many graves had been disturbed and sightings were reported of those who had been dead walking among the streets. Someone must have torn the temple veil in protest. But, how did they rip it from the top to the bottom? And, why was the weather so unruly just as this man died? No one controls the weather!

So, the priests were uneasy. There were rumors and prophecies indicating that this man would rise from the dead in three days. How preposterous! No one can do that! Just to be sure though, they had convinced Pilot that he should post guards and be watchful that the body was not stolen and claimed to have become alive. A heavy stone had been placed at the entrance to the tomb to seal it securely. So, why couldn’t they rest now without worry?

Mat 27:51 And, behold! The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And the earth quaked, and the rocks were sheared,
Mat 27:52 and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep arose,
Mat 27:53 and coming out of the tomb after His resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

Then came the third morning. There were rumors all over the city that something had happened at the grave. The guards had fled after they had fallen asleep at their post. This was an offense punishable by death. There had been a great earthquake that morning. What had happened? Why were the people running about the city crying that Jesus had been seen and his disciples were wild with frenzy and rejoicing? So, the priests and Roman officials began an inquiry concerning these happenings and to determine more about this man called Jesus.

The more they found out, the more the priests feared for their lives. The women who had prepared the body for burial had used a great deal of spices that would harden like shellac, and they had encased the body, but not the face.

Joh 19:39 And Nicodemus also came, who at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.
Joh 19:40 Then they took the body of Jesus and wound it with linens with the spices, as is the custom of the Jews to bury.

Joh 20:6 Then Simon Peter came following him and went into the tomb. And he saw the linens lying there.
Joh 20:7 And the grave-cloth that was on His head was not lying with the linens, but was wrapped up in one place by itself.
Joh 20:8 Therefore, then, that other disciple also went in, the one who came first to the tomb. And he saw and believed.

These women (and a man called Peter) all were telling the people that the encasement shroud was intact, yet the body was gone! They also reported seeing an angel who told them where Jesus was. And, they went and had seen this man alive and he had spoken to them by name. He had been touched and had eaten with them. Others, also reported seeing Jesus alive.

1Co 15:4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures;
1Co 15:5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the Twelve.
1Co 15:6 Afterward He was seen by over five hundred brothers at once, of whom the greater part remain until this present day, but also some fell asleep.
1Co 15:7 Afterward He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.
1Co 15:8 And last of all He was seen by me also, as one born out of time.
1Co 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles and am not sufficient to be called an apostle, because I (Paul) persecuted the church of God.

Now, the priests surly vowed never to admit their great mistake about this risen Jesus, for it would mean their sure death at the hands of the people who stoned any priest who was found to be false in leading them against the will of God. The Romans also sought to kill the disciples and quell the excitement of the people who might revolt against their rule. But the people were now bearing witness everywhere of the events that had happened, and the disciples were doing miracles and preaching with the power of the Holy Spirit. None could stop the renewed hope and fervor that God had created. And the world has never been the same since!