Why is the empty tomb so important?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The empty tomb is critical to Christianity, as it validates Jesus's resurrection, which is the cornerstone of the faith. The gospels record that women first discovered the empty tomb, an unexpected detail that supports the account's authenticity. Opponents’ theories, such as the body being stolen, fail to explain the absence of Jesus's body and the bold testimony of His followers, despite persecution. Historical and biblical evidence, including eyewitness accounts and early Christian writings, affirm the resurrection. This event transforms history, but also individuals, offering proof of Jesus as the Messiah and hope of eternal life.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The empty tomb is not recorded in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Bible teaches that Jesus is alive. After His crucifixion, He rose from the dead on the third day (Luke 24:6–7; Matthew 28:5–6). Jesus appeared to His disciples and many others, providing proof of His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–6; John 20:19–20). His resurrection is central to the Christian faith, demonstrating His victory over sin and death (Romans 6:9; Revelation 1:18). Jesus's ongoing life assures believers of His continual intercession for them and His eternal reign (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34).
• The fact that the body of Jesus was missing is evidence that supports the truth that Jesus is alive. Opponents could have easily ended the early accounts of the resurrected Jesus by simply finding His body. Even when Peter preached at Pentecost in Jerusalem, fifty days after the death of Jesus, no one challenged his claim that the tomb was empty. The question was what had happened to the body. Matthew 28:11–15 notes the alternative account given by opponents was that the body had been stolen by His disciples. Yet eleven men lacking military training would not have been able to defeat the Roman guards posted at the tomb to get the body.
• The location of the tomb was well known to both the disciples and the enemies of Jesus (Matthew 27:57–61; Mark 15:43–47). Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin and well respected in the community (Luke 23:50–51; Mark 15:43). Those who wished to verify the story of the empty tomb could easily visit the location (John 20:1–8; Matthew 28:1–6).
• All four gospel accounts note the empty tomb was first discovered by women (Matthew 28:1–8; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–10; John 20:1–2). This is significant in two ways. One way is that it reveals the fear of the male disciples, who were gathered in a locked home, rather than visiting the tomb (John 20:19). In addition, in ancient times, the testimony of a woman counted less than that of a man (Luke 24:11). If the story of the empty tomb had been fabricated, men would have certainly been the first ones noted as discovering it to give the story more credence.
• The tradition of the empty tomb is early in both biblical and extra-biblical literature. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in the AD 50s, only about twenty years after the resurrection took place. Yet he claimed that 500 people had seen Jesus alive and that most of them were still living (1 Corinthians 15). Further, he had received the information from Peter, James, and John after his conversion, within three to five years of the resurrection. In extra-biblical literature, Jesus was mentioned by Jewish historian Josephus in the first century as one whose followers believed He was still alive. Several writers in the second century spoke of the resurrection as a key Christian belief. In legal cases, evidence is generally expected from reputable sources and multiple sources. In the case of the empty tomb, both requirements are fulfilled. Numerous eyewitnesses who had knowledge of the empty tomb are mentioned in ancient writings. Reputable sources, both followers of Jesus and opponents, were well aware that the tomb was empty.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Opponents claim that Jesus’s body was stolen, yet many of the men accused of stealing the body held their belief that Jesus was resurrected, despite persecution and death. No viable alternative has been supplied for the whereabouts of the body of Jesus. Though belief in the resurrection is supernatural, the evidence points to an empty tomb, a missing body, multiple eyewitness accounts of a risen Jesus, and many changed lives as a result. The evidence all points to the authenticity of the Christian belief that the tomb was empty because Jesus returned to life on the third day, proving Himself as the Messiah.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the pivotal event in human history that transforms everything. It validates Jesus's identity as the Messiah, fulfills centuries of prophecy, and establishes the foundation of our faith (1 Corinthians 15:17–20). The resurrection demonstrates God's power over sin and death, offering humanity the hope of eternal life and reconciliation with God (Romans 6:4–5). This event redefined history, impacting even our calendar system. Without the resurrection, there would be no hope for the forgiveness of sins, and there would be no need to take Jesus seriously.

For us personally, the resurrection means that life has purpose beyond the temporal because Jesus’s victory promises new life to those who trust in Him (John 11:25–26). It calls us to live transformed lives, empowered by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, and to bring His truth, love, justice, and hope to a broken world. The resurrection not only reshaped the past but also assures a future where all creation will be restored under Christ's reign (Revelation 21:4–5). This truth changes how we see everything—our identity, mission, and ultimate destiny.

UNDERSTAND

• The empty tomb proves that Jesus rose from the dead.
• The empty tomb assures us that Jesus was God, the promised Messiah, who came to save us from our sins.
• The empty tomb assures believers of eternal hope and transformation.

REFLECT

• How does the empty tomb challenge or affirm your understanding of Jesus's identity as the Messiah?
• How does the resurrection of Jesus impact your daily life and your sense of purpose?
• How does knowing that Jesus is alive and active today shape your hope and perspective on the future?

ENGAGE

• What is the significance of the discovery of the empty tomb by women, despite the cultural norms of that time?
• How would you respond to those who claim the empty tomb story was fabricated or misunderstood? What evidence supports its authenticity?
• How does the empty tomb change the way we live today, and what hope does it give us for tomorrow?