I.                   Context

1. Jesus laid in a tomb owned by prominent Jew Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:38-41; Matthew 27:57-60)
2. Jewish Sabbath was Saturday; Jesus crucified the day before
3. Women not allowed to embalm on Sabbath, they came the next day (Sunday)

II.                The Women—Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, Salome

1. Reminder there other followers besides the 12
2. That they would embalm Jesus’ brutalized body indicates their level of love
3. Significance that women first discovered empty tomb, given low status of women, this offers historical reliability of text
4. That their names are recorded may indicate they were well known in the early church—adds more reliability

III.             The Empty Tomb

1. Stone was a giant seal over a cave tomb
2. Roman soldiers guarded the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66)
3. Women encounter an angel; their first reaction is fear
4. The angel comforts them; reports the news that Jesus is risen; they are to tell the others
5. Jesus later makes many appearances

IV.              Defense of the Resurrection

1. Jesus was really dead- Roman soldiers were professionals at killing
2. They got the right tomb- Joe of Arimathea was prominent and the tomb he had would be well known
3. Professional Roman soldiers would not allow ragtag disciples to steal a body; their lives depended on it
4. Early followers devoted their lives to proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection- their only gain was hardship and death

V.                 Significance of the Resurrection

1. It’s the basis of our faith (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3-20; Apostles Creed)
2. Because Jesus conquered death; so we have victory over death, eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ
3. Despite the pain and death we experience in this world, we find hope in eternal life and celebrate the victory of our Lord and Savior