Bible Studies

---

Empty Tomb
Let us pray
Open my eyes, O Lord, to see the wonderful truths in Your word.
Holy Spirit, I invite You to illuminate Your word and speak to me.

Now read the scriptures expecting to be impacted.
The Empty Tomb
1 Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.( John20:1-10)


Questions to help you think
Try and answer the questions yourself as best you can before looking at the suggested answers.
Remember, there are no definite answers so the answers here are not the only answers. The Holy Spirit is capable of taking a scripture and interpreting to different people in different ways according to their needs.

1. Who are the characters in this story?
2. What is the setting of the story?
3. What is the mood of the story?
4. Who is the disciple that Jesus loved?
5. What lessons can we learn from the story?
6. Summarise the story in your own words
7. How important is the title ‘Empty Tomb?’
8. How can you apply what you have read to your life today?
9. What action will you take as a result of what you have read?
10. What prayer would you pray?






1. The characters in the story are:
Peter, John, Mary Magdalene

.
2. What is the setting of the story?
The setting is Jerusalem, at the burial place of Jesus. Remember a rich man ,Joseph the Arimathea , a rich man, allowed his tomb to be used.(Mat.27:57-61)

3. What is the mood of the story?
The mood is one of dismay, dejection gloom and doom. Salt has been added to injury. Trying to cope with the horrible crucifixion of their beloved Saviour, leader and Friend, they are now to endure the disaster f His body stolen to rub it in.
4. The disciple that Jesus loved is John. He is also the narrator of the story and wrote the book of Revelation.
5. What lessons can we learn from the story?
Ignorance of the Scriptures can cause sorrow and rob us many good things
They did not understand the scriptures about the death and resurrection of Jesus and this resulted in unnecessary sorrow. Little wonder The word of God says, ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge’ and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

It goes to show that if we are ignorant of the scriptures, we would cause ourselves undue sorrow and problems.
The integrity of God’s word.
• Jesus had predicted he would rise on the third day and so He did.
This gives us the confidence to take God’s word at face value. If He said it, it will come to pass. We can count on the promises of God being accomplished in our lives.
the Role of Women
• Women can be proud of their role in Gospel as Mary Magdalene
was the first to find the empty tomb and was also the first to see Jesus after hi resurrection.
Life of Significance
• Jesus made an impact in His life and after His death and so should we.


6. Summarise the story in your own words
Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb of Jesus after a few days of his death and to her utter surprise and dismay His body was gone.
In great distraught and anguish she runs to break the sad news to the disciples closest to Him- Peter and
John.
Quickly, they dashed down in a flash, trying to outdo each other in their race. Eventually they are greeted with the empty tomb! They are wide-eyed, confounded, speechless, wondering what was going on.
They left the place dejected, disappointed and depressed
7. How important is the title ‘Empty Tomb’?
This is a powerful picture that spoke volumes.
1. Although it is empty, it spoke of the fullness for all Christians- fullness of life; life more abundant which Jesus came to give all his followers.
2. The fact that Jesus rose just like he said also give Christians the confidence to believe in the life after death. Paul said, if Jesus has not risen, then we would be the most miserable of all people- without hope.
3. The empty tomb is what distinguishes Christianity from other religions. No other religion can boast of the leader risen and alive as Christians do. Jesus is alive and by His Spirit continues to transform lives the world over.
4. Because of the death and resurrection all those who acknowledge their sins can be forgiven and given a New Life in Christ. His resurrection signifies a new beginning.
Let us pray:

Lord, I thank You for Your word that is spirit and life, dynamic, sharper than any two-edged sword, alive, illuminating and inspiring.
Thank You for unfolding Your word and instructing me through it.
Thank You, Holy Spirit for being here to speak to me, teach me, comfort and strengthen me. Thank You also for my New Life in Christ and the hope that the empty tomb gives me.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE