108. MAT 28:6. A VISIT TO THE TOMB OF CHRIST
Mat_28:6. A Visit to the Tomb of Christ
"Come, see the place where the Lord lay."’97Mat_28:6.
Angels have often been employed in communicating important tidings to man. They often appeared to the patriarchs; conveyed intelligence to the prophets; announced the birth of the Saviour; directed his escape into Egypt; ministered to him in the desert; and doubtless watched with intense interest the events of the cross; and were the first to gladden the hearts of the devoted women, the friends of Jesus, by the cheering tidings of the text, "He is not here; for he is risen: come, see the place where the Lord lay."
Let us consider,
I. The Person referred to.
"The Lord."
While it is a most important and blessed ruth, that Christ really assumed our nature, and became our true kinsman; yet it is not less true or important, that he possessed a nature infinitely superior to ours; that he claimed equality with the Father; and that, as such, he bears the title of Lord, even "Lord of all."
The propriety of this designation will appear from its application to him,
1. By prophets.
There is a sublime representation of him as such in Isaiah’s vision, vi. 5-10; as quoted, also, Joh_12:41; see, also, Isa_40:3, and Jer_23:6, and Psa_68:16-18.
2. By the apostles and disciples.
Peter says, "He is Lord of all," Act_10:36. Paul describes him as "Lord over all," Rom_10:12; "The Lord from heaven," 1Co_15:47; "Lord of glory," 1Co_2:8. John, in the Rev_17:14, "Lord of lords, and King of kings."
The same title is given to him,
3. By angels.
At his birth: "Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour who it Christ the Lord." And also in the text: "Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
It was received and assumed,
4. By Christ himself.
The disciples invariably addressed him by this title. He often spoke of himself under the same. And he expressly says, "Ye call me Lord and Master, and say well;" Joh_13:13.
The highest terms conceivable are ad dressed to him,
5. By the Father.
"Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever," &c. And again: "And thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth," &c. Heb_1:8-12.
Let us consider,
II. The Place where the Lord lay
The place was the sepulchre. And there are many interesting circumstances connected with the place.
1. It was not his own; but he was beholden for it to another.
It is said, that the Jews were guilty of neglecting the interment of the poor; and, doubtless, the remains of criminals were often left to wither near the place of execution. This might have been their design in reference to Christ, had not Joseph of Arimathea begged the body, and laid it in his own tomb; by which, also, an illustrious prophecy was fulfilled, Isa_53:9.
2. In this place he remained a certain predicted period.
A period sufficient to prove his decease and yet not sufficient to effect putrefaction. For, by the Psa. ist, God had said, "He would not leave his soul in hell, nor suffer his Holy One to see corruption;" Psa_16:10; Act_2:31. Christ, also, had spoken to the same effect; Mat_16:21; Luk_13:32; Mat_16:21.
3. This place was carefully watched and powerfully guarded by his enemies.
And by this the Christian has irrefragable evidence that Christ did rise from the dead, and never could have been secretly removed by his disciples. Never did the enemies of Jesus do him better service, than when they rolled the mighty stone to the mouth of the tomb, sealed it with the imperial signet, and caused the spot to be watched by the Roman guard. The excuse made to the people, when Christ was not to be found, carries on its front its own refutation; Mat_27:65; Mat_28:11, &c.
4. From this place Christ arose with power and glory.
An angel descends from heaven; the stone is rolled away; an earthquake shakes the ground; the keepers tremble and become as dead men, the glory of the Lord surrounds the spot; death is overcome; and Christ arises, saying, "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore;" Rev_1:18.
Consider,
III. The Lessons to be derived from a contemplative Visit to the Place where Christ lay.
"Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
By a visit to the empty sepulchre we learn,
1. That the official engagements of Jesus are completed.
He became the voluntary surety for the sinner. As such he endured the smart, bore the curse, becoming a curse for us. He gave his life as a ransom; the price was accepted, demanded, paid. He yields up his spirit and enters the region of the dead. Prophecy is now fulfilled; justice has no further claim; the angel is sent to open the door of the prison, and the surety is liberated. By this Christ’s claim to the Messiahship is irrevocably established, and a firm foundation laid for the hope of the sinner.
2. We learn that the enemies of Christ and of man are completely vanquished.
Yes, death has been overcome in our nature, and in his own domains. The Bozrah Conqueror has trampled upon all the powers of darkness. He has led captivity captive; spoiled principalities and powers; and he appears with sin, Satan, and death chained to the wheels of his triumphal car. We learn,
3. That the grave is a hallowed, sanctified place.
Jesus has perfumed it with the fragrance of his own person. He has divested it of its natural gloom, and it now becomes the happy retreat of the worn-out pilgrim where he shall repose in happy quiet until the day of his full redemption. We learn.
4. That the grave is only the temporary abode of the bodies of mankind.
Its bars are now dislodged, and its chains broken. Adam forced an entrance into it; and the second Adam, the Lord from heaven, has made a passage through it. And through all its once dark and dreary extent there is now inscribed in glorious characters, "Christ has abolished death; and life and immortality are brought to light by the gospel." "Now is Christ risen from the dead and become the firstfruits of them that slept." "Because I live, ye shall live also." We learn,
5. Where we are to find Jesus.
Not in Bethlehem, at Jordan, in the temple, in the garden, on the cross, or in the sepulchre; no; he is now exalted at God’s right hand, where he waits to dispense the blessings of his grace, and to give remission of sins to all who believe and call upon his name. "Let us, then, draw near with a true heart," &c.; Heb_4:16, and Heb_10:22.
Application
1. Come, skeptical sinner, and see the place where Christ lay; and admit his claims, and receive him as the Son of God.
2. Come, mourning sinner, and see the place where Christ lay; and believe his ability to save thee to the uttermost, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for thee.
3. Come, timid believer, and see the place where Christ lay; and be not kept in bondage, through the fear of death. It is thy privilege to exclaim, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"
Autor: JABEZ BURNS