Check the Rock!
A Sermon on Matthew 28:1-10
Matthew is the only Gospel that mentions how the tomb of Jesus was sealed with a guard. On Saturday, the chief priests go to Pilate and request that a guard be posted at the tomb, so that nobody would tamper with it. The Romans post the guard, seal the rock and guard it through the night.
Our message today is: “We need to check the rock, watch it roll away, and become a part of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Then, the incredible power of his resurrection will change you forever. You will experience the new and abundant life that God freely gives. The first thing you need to do today is “Check the rock.”
In a big national park in California, there is a rope, which has a big rock hanging from it. A large sign sits next to it to explain this unusual device. The sign says, “This rock on a rope is our Weather Station. Check the rock! If the rock is wet, it’s raining. If the rock is swinging, it’s windy. If the rock is dry, it’s sunshine. If you can’t see the rock, it’s foggy. If the rock has been blown away, it’s a tornado. If the rock is jiggling about, it is an earthquake. Check the rock!”
This sign shares a powerful truth: “Check the rock!” Many of us have come to church today with questions on our minds. We have come searching for answers and looking for truth. We are looking for something to change our life for the better. Life can sometimes be so confusing. We wonder why things are so hard for us. What makes life worth living? Why am I here? What’s it all about anyway? That statement, “Check the rock,” can help us find some answers.
+ Are you wondering what your life is all about? Check the rock!
+ Are you wondering how to be set free from fear? Check the rock!
+ Are you wondering if God’s Word is true? Check the rock!
+ Are you wondering how you can make a new beginning? Check the rock!
+ Are you wondering what makes life really worth living? Check the rock!
When the women went to the tomb early on Easter morning, the position of the rock was the first clue that something spectacular had happened. The big rock was moved out of the way, to open things up. When they checked the rock, they discovered it had been moved. Furthermore, we need to not only check the rock, but we need to see for ourselves that the tomb is empty. The story of Jesus doesn’t provide us with much hope if the tomb is not empty. In fact, if Christ were still lying dead in his tomb, we would be left with absolutely nothing. We would still be lost and dead in our sins. If Christ never rose from the dead, we would have no hope at all.
Picture the scene on Good Friday. Death is all around. Jesus has been killed. The cries of his followers can be heard throughout Jerusalem. Their grief is very real and deep. Christ had died, and he was buried and the tomb is tightly sealed. It all looks so hopeless.
We all know that feeling. We all know what it is like to lose someone close to us. Our grief can be overwhelming. The death of someone we love can devastate us like nothing else in this world. Matthew says that the woman went out early on Sunday morning to take a look at the tomb. In other words, they were doing something we have done many times ourselves, travelling to the cemetery to visit the gravesite of a loved one.
We all know what it is like when a loved one dies and is buried. All that is left is a grave or a tomb, a headstone or a marker. It seems like there is no hope when you are standing all alone in the cemetery. But wait! You have to check the rock, watch it roll away, and then discover that the tomb of Jesus is empty. That totally changes everything! That’s what Easter does. It changes us. It changes the deep sadness of death into the powerful joy of the resurrection. When you check the rock, you discover it has been moved by the incredible power of God. An earthquake shook the ground and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven to roll back the stone and sit on it. (That is a nice touch, the angel sitting on top of the stone. That is a striking detail in this amazing story.)
The real point of the angel’s appearance was the message he delivered to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here! He has risen, just as he said. See the place where he lay.”
“He has risen, just as he said.” Christ is alive! He has defeated death. He has kept his promise to rise again, and he wants you to now walk into the tomb, and see for yourself. That is why the angel rolled back the stone, so that everyone could see the tomb was empty. He is not here because he is alive. This resurrection of Christ validates his gospel message: It’s all true! It’s for real. It’s genuine.
And this gospel can change your life forever. Now the resurrection from the dead becomes possible for you. Everlasting salvation becomes your reality. And your loved ones are not lost, but you will see them again in the glory of heaven. These promises of God are unlocked for all who come to the open tomb. Now that the rock has been rolled away, we can look inside and behold the power of our Lord. His resurrection tells us all things are now possible. It shows us that God’s Word is always true, even when we think otherwise.
I once saw a poster called, “OUR THINKING VERSUS GOD’S WORD.” This poster shows us that our thinking is not always correct when it comes to what the Almighty Lord can do. We underestimate our God. We fail to realize the incredible power of his Word.
+ We think: “It’s impossible.” God says: “All things are possible.”
+ We think: “I’m too tired.” God says: “I will give you rest.”
+ We think: “Nobody loves me.” God says: “I love you.”
+ We think: “I can’t go on.” God says: “My grace is sufficient for you.”
+ We think: “I can’t figure things out.” God says: “I will direct your steps.”
+ We think: “I can’t do it.” God says: “You can do all things through me.”
+ We think: “I can’t manage.” God says: “I will supply all your needs.”
+ We think: “I worry too much.” God says: “Cast all your cares on me.”
+ We think: “I’m not smart enough.” God says: “I will give you wisdom.”
+ We think: “I’m all alone.” God says: “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
These are God’s promises to you. How can you tell if all of this is true? Check the rock, watch it roll away, and behold the resurrection of Jesus! Far too many people today are afraid to trust anyone or anything anymore. They are fearful of what tomorrow may bring. They are so wrapped up in loneliness, worry and grief, their life has no meaning or joy. However, here is the key to having a meaningful life: Jesus Christ. He is your Lord and Savior.
Life is worth living because Jesus is alive. He is the Lord of your life, and he deeply loves you. You have been raised up with Christ. You now belong to him. And he will never leave you or forsake you. He will abide with you forever.
Christ will give you strength and power. He will give you rest for your soul. He will give you wisdom, direction, and purpose in life. He will give you grace. Make the resurrection of Christ your own today. Check the rock and see how it has been rolled away. Look and see, the tomb is open and it is empty! God’s Word is true.
Rejoice and give thanks! Christ has risen, and he has risen for you. Go now in peace and live in his power each day. Trust in the risen Lord, and he will bless you every day. Christ has risen! Thanks be to God! Amen!