How do we respond to the empty tomb?

Preacher

Pastor Caleb Hankin

Date

April 5, 2026

Location

Milpitas

Language

English

Summary

This sermon explores various responses to the empty tomb of Jesus, urging believers to accept His resurrection and share their faith.

Sermon Outline

Introduction 00:00:00

The sermon begins by addressing different responses people have to the empty tomb.

Responses to the Empty Tomb 00:00:40

Various responses to the empty tomb are introduced, highlighting acceptance, rejection, and indifference.

Witnesses Encounter the Risen Jesus 00:02:10

Women who discover the empty tomb worship Jesus, representing the first acceptance of the resurrection.

Rejection by the Guards 00:10:00

Soldiers witness the resurrection yet choose to reject the truth for fear and greed.

Doubts Among the Disciples 00:20:35

Some disciples worship Jesus but still have doubts, illustrating the challenge of belief.

Evidence to Support Belief 00:30:55

The sermon emphasizes the historical evidence of Jesus's resurrection and encourages inquiry.

Call to Action 00:42:59

The congregation is challenged to respond to the resurrection through faith and action.

Scripture References

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ See, I have told you.” So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him. “Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me.”

Matthew 28:1-10

Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20

But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15
Questions from This Sermon

How do we respond to the empty tomb of Jesus?

We can accept, reject, or doubt the truth of the resurrection.

What does accepting the resurrection mean?

It means believing in Jesus as the risen Savior and letting that belief transform our lives.

How can I defend my faith to others?

We are called to always be ready to share the evidence and reasons for our beliefs with gentleness.

Topics

Resurrection
Faith
Witnessing
Grace