Download the Easter Sunday—The Biblical meaning of Jesus and the empty tomb
Fill out the form below to schedule a demo or call our sales team at
469-564-3922
Easter is more than a cultural holiday. It’s the foundation of the Christian faith. At the center of the Easter message is an astonishing truth: The tomb that held Jesus' deceased body was empty on Sunday morning.
When the women arrived at Jesus’ burial site that first Easter morning, expecting to anoint the body of Jesus, they were met instead with an angel’s words, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6).
The Easter empty tomb is not just a historical event. It’s evidence that Jesus truly conquered death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). If Christ had remained in the grave, the Christian faith would be meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:17). But because He lives, we have hope beyond the grave.
It is as Jesus says before his death, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). His resurrection is a promise that all who trust in Him will one day be raised to eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:14).
Easter is the celebration of victory. The victory of life over death and of light over darkness. The empty tomb is our assurance that sin has been defeated, and our future is secure. Jesus is alive, and because of that, we can live with confidence, joy, and unwavering hope.
Long before Jesus walked the earth, Scripture foretold that the Messiah would suffer, die, and rise again. Isaiah 53 describes the suffering of the Servant of the Lord, saying He would be “cut off from the land of the living” (Isaiah 53:8) but that “He will see His offspring and prolong His days” (Isaiah 53:10), pointing to resurrection. Jesus Himself predicted His resurrection multiple times, declaring, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (John 2:19).
The Resurrection fulfilled these prophecies, proving that Jesus is the promised Messiah.
More than that, without the Resurrection, there would be no victory over sin and death. Paul writes, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Jesus’ resurrection confirms that His sacrifice on the cross was accepted by God, securing our forgiveness. Because He conquered death, those who put their trust in Him are justified (Romans 4:25) and receive eternal life (John 3:16).
Also, resurrection is not just about what happened to Jesus—it’s about what will happen to us. His victory over the grave is a promise that death is not the end for believers. Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). Because He rose, Christians have the assurance that we, too, will be raised when He returns (1 Thessalonians 4:14). This hope gives Christians strength to endure suffering, knowing that eternal life with Christ awaits.
When you consider Jesus and the empty tomb, what biblical passages come to mind? Here are some key Bible verses about the empty tomb that ought to come to mind when we think of this pivotal point in world (and church) history:
Matthew 28:1–10 – Here we have two women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, who visit the tomb at dawn. An earthquake occurs as an angel descends, rolling away the stone. The angel tells them that Jesus has risen from the dead and instructs them to tell the disciples. As they leave in joy and fear, Jesus appears to them, reassuring them and repeating the angel’s message. Matthew emphasizes divine intervention (the earthquake and angel) and Jesus’ personal appearance, reinforcing His authority and fulfillment of prophecy. The women’s role as the first witnesses highlights God's unexpected ways of revealing truth, given the way women were viewed as less authoritative and trustworthy at the time of this event.
Mark 16:1–8 – Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bring spices to anoint Jesus’ body. They find the stone rolled away and a young man in white (an angel) inside the tomb. He tells them Jesus has risen and to inform the disciples and Peter. Overcome with fear, they flee and initially tell no one. Mark’s account focuses on the women’s fear and amazement. This abrupt ending highlights the awe-inspiring, unsettling nature of the Resurrection, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and urgency. Mark is known for his brevity and concise writing in his Gospel, and that is on display here.
Luke 24:1–12 – In this passage, women reached the tomb and find it empty. Two angels appear and remind them that Jesus had predicted His resurrection. They report this to the disciples, but their words seem like nonsense to them. Peter runs to the tomb, sees the linen cloth lying inside, and leaves wondering what happened. Luke emphasizes the disciples’ initial skepticism, highlighting how even Jesus’ closest followers struggled to grasp the Resurrection. Peter’s investigation foreshadows his later realization and leadership in proclaiming the risen Christ.
John 20:1–18 – Mary Magdalene arrives early and sees the stone removed. She informs Peter and John, who run to the tomb. They see the burial clothes but do not fully understand. Mary stays behind, weeping. Jesus appears to her, but she does not recognize Him until He calls her by name. She then announces His resurrection to the disciples. John’s account highlights Mary Magdalene’s deep devotion and the personal nature of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. Her recognition of Jesus when He calls her by name underscores the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers. John’s account highlights Mary Magdalene’s deep devotion and the personal nature of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. Her recognition of Jesus when He calls her by name underscores the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers.
Each Gospel offers unique details, but together they present a unified testimony of the Resurrection. The Easter empty tomb is central to the Christian faith, demonstrating Jesus’ victory over death. The differences in perspective enrich the narrative, showing different reactions—fear, doubt, wonder, and joy—mirroring the responses people still have today when encountering the risen Christ. The tapestry woven together by the Gospel accounts give Christians a beautiful picture of the heart of God and how he relates to his people.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, shaping every aspect of daily life. It offers hope in difficult times, reminding believers that suffering and trials are temporary, but victory in Christ is eternal.
Because Jesus conquered sin and death, Christians can live with the assurance that God is always at work, even in the darkest moments. Christians are never without hope, and the empty tomb is a daily reminder of this. This hope fuels perseverance, faith, and confidence in God’s promises.
Living in the victory of the Resurrection means embracing Christ’s power in everyday situations. Instead of being weighed down by fear, failure, or uncertainty, believers can walk in faith, knowing that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in them (Romans 8:11). This confidence transforms how they face challenges, make decisions, and interact with others.
How might Christians daily apply the reality and hope of the empty tomb of Jesus in various aspects of life? Here are a few ideas:
By living in the power of the Resurrection, Christians can reflect Christ’s victory, bringing hope and transformation into every area of life.
This Resurrection Sunday, embrace the power of Christ’s victory that we see in the reality of the empty tomb. Let go of past struggles, pain, and fear, and step into the new life He offers. His resurrection brings renewal, hope, and transformation.
Walk in His grace, live with purpose, and rejoice in the assurance of His everlasting love and redemption. The tomb is empty and eternal hope is ours in Christ! Let’s take hold of it this Easter and every day.
Additional Easter resources to consider
© 2025 Subsplash
