Pastor’s Note: The Empty Tomb (John 20)
By Anthony Loh
Easter, which falls on 9 April this year, is the most important event celebrated by Christians. It celebrates the resurrection of Christ; i.e., God’s victory over sin and death. The Son of God “was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Rom 4:25)
Question: Why is the empty tomb so significant that we can’t miss out in our preaching? If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, what would be the implication? The Bible gives us this answer:
“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (1 Cor 15:14)
The truth: Our preaching and our faith are not useless.
As we celebrate Easter, let’s focus our attention on Christ:
1. The divine nature of Christ – He is Who He claimed to be!
Here are seven “I am” statements made by Christ, and their significance:
| I am the bread of life | John 6:35 | Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. |
| I am the light of the world | John 8:12 | Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. |
| I am the gate for the sheep | John 10:7 | I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. |
| I am the good shepherd | John 10:11 | The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. |
| I am the resurrection and the life | John 11:25 | I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. |
| I am the way, the truth, and the life | John 14:6 | No one comes to the Father except through me. |
| I am the true vine | John 15:1 | You are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. |
The phrase “I am” is in the present tense, suggesting that what Christ declares of Himself has the mark of unchangeability. It also reflects Exodus 3:14 in which God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” It is a phrase that clearly refers to God and His unmistakeable presence.When the Jews questioned Jesus’ claims about Himself, Jesus answered them: “Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58)
Before He was betrayed, He told His disciples, ““I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.” (John 13:9)
The death and resurrection of Christ have happened as He predicted. Do you believe that He is the “I am who I am”?
2. Christ has the Power that He Claimed to Have!
It is the resurrection of Jesus that promises us eternal life.He says in John 10:17-18, “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
Christ died for us willingly, in obedience to the Father. On the Cross, He voluntarily yielded up His Spirit with the utterance, “It is finished!” (John 19:30) – a clear acknowledgement of completion of God’s plan for Him.
Three days after laying down His life, He took it up again – with His victorious resurrection.
3. Our hope in the resurrection of Christ
Easter confirms Christ is who He says He is; He has the power to do what He claims He will do; and He keeps the promises that He makes! When we drink from the cup in the Eucharist (Holy Communion), we are receiving the promise of Christ for the forgiveness of sins. (Mt 26:28)
Christ has promised His presence with us. All who believe are assured of His presence in the Person of the Holy Spirit not just in the present time, or in the visible horizon, but extending “to the very end of the age,” (Mt 28:20) which will be marked by His return.
For now, Christ has gone to prepare a place for us in the Father’s house. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:3)
“The resurrection reminds you that God’s love is eternal, God has a purpose for your life, and that death is not the end. There is an eternal hope waiting for you in heaven!” – Pastor Rick Warrren (author of “The Purpose Driven Life”)
The tomb is empty. He is not here. He has risen! (Mt 28:6)
Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice!
Prayer pointers – April 2023
- Goshen Bridges
Pray that more JCCians will rise up in engaging the community. As we sow the gospel seeds, we have hope to reap the harvest.
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Cor 9:10)
- David & Goliath Preschool
We thank God for blessing us with talented people to anchor a good learning environment for the little children. Continue to pray for wisdom and strength for the principal, teachers and volunteers as they carry out their duties of leading and guiding the children.
- Cell Group Life
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Prov 27:17)
May we keep the fire of fellowship burning in our Cell Group Life. Pray that more JCCians will join the Cell Groups where “we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:24-25)
- Good Friday Service & Easter Evangelistic Sunday
On these special days, may our invited guests experience the love of God and may the gospel touch their hearts. Pray that as JCCians go out to invite their friends, they will have a good response.
Responses