Sermon Title: Trusting in an Empty Tomb

Sermon Title: Trusting in an Empty Tomb

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

Preacher: Pastor Kyev Tatum

Occasion: Resurrection Sunday

Location: New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church

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Introduction:

Good morning, Resurrection people!

Today is the Super Bowl of Sundays. The enemy thought the game was over on Friday—but Jesus pulled a Holy Ghost comeback on Sunday morning! Somebody shout, “He got up!”

We’re here this morning to celebrate something strange: an empty tomb. Now let me be real with you—most folks don’t get excited about empty things. An empty fridge? A problem. An empty gas tank? A struggle. An empty bank account? A prayer meeting!

But an empty tomb? That’s a promise kept, a death defeated, and a hope restored!

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I. The Women Came with Spices but Found Surprise (vv. 1–3)

They came early—before sunrise—carrying spices. These sisters weren’t just showing up, they were showing love. But when they got there, surprise! The tomb was empty.

Now imagine showing up to a funeral, only to find the casket is open and empty. You’d probably say, “Now wait a minute—who moved Big Mama?”

But what they thought was a tragedy turned out to be a testimony. They came to finish a burial—but God had already started a resurrection.

Application:

Some of y’all are still carrying “spices”—tears, grief, bitterness—for a situation God has already rolled the stone away from.

Stop preparing for a funeral when God’s already planned your comeback party.

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II. The Angelic Reminder (vv. 4–7)

The angels show up dressed like they came from Heaven’s version of the Met Gala—“dazzling clothes”!

They hit them with a question for the ages:

“Why do you seek the living among the dead?”

In other words: “Why are you looking in a cemetery for someone who’s alive?”

Illustration:

It’s like going to an old Blockbuster Video store looking for Netflix—you’re in the wrong place!

Jesus told them He was getting up. They just forgot.

Application:

Beloved, don’t forget what Jesus already told you. His promises don’t have expiration dates. He doesn’t speak just to inspire—He speaks to fulfill.

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III. They Remembered His Words (v. 8)

This is a shouting verse: “And they remembered His words.”

Sometimes, all it takes is remembering what He said to you in the dark while you’re walking through the valley.

Illustration:

Ever been in the kitchen, trying to remember what Mama put in that cornbread? But the moment you taste it—it comes back to you.

That’s how faith works—memory activates movement.

Application:

When we remember God’s Word, we stop wandering and start walking with purpose.

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IV. The Disciples Doubted (vv. 9–11)

These sisters ran back preaching the first resurrection sermon!

But the men said, “That sounds like nonsense.”

Sound familiar, sisters? You ever tell the truth, and the brothers still need “proof”?

Illustration:

It’s like when you tell your husband something broke in the house, and he says, “Let me go see for myself”—even though you’ve already told him five times.

But God chose women to be the first evangelists—because when the men were hiding, the women were still faithful.

Application:

Just because they don’t believe your testimony doesn’t mean it ain’t true.

Tell it anyway. Shout it anyway. Praise Him anyway.

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V. Peter Ran to the Tomb (v. 12)

Peter heard it and did what Peter does—he ran.

He gets to the tomb, sees the linen cloths, but no Jesus. And it says he left marveling—he couldn’t explain it, but he felt it deep down.

Illustration:

Sometimes you won’t see all the details, but you’ll sense the shift—like when you step outside and feel a change in the air before the storm.

Peter didn’t get the full picture yet, but his faith was waking up.

Application:

God will leave just enough evidence to stir your faith.

He won’t always give you the whole picture—but He’ll always give you a piece that makes you praise.

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Conclusion: Trusting in the Empty Tomb

That empty tomb preaches better than me today:

• It says prophecy is fulfilled

• It says death has no dominion

• It says the promise still stands

• It says your faith is not in vain

We don’t worship a memory. We worship a miracle.

He got up—just like He said.

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Call to Action:

Let me ask you three questions before we shout our way out of here:

1. What tomb are you still staring into, expecting death?

2. What stone has God already rolled away, but you’re still waiting outside?

3. Will you trust what He said—even when you don’t see what you want to see yet?

Because if you can trust in an empty tomb,

you can trust in a Risen Savior.

He’s not there…

He’s risen indeed.

Now go and tell somebody:

The tomb is empty—but my heart is full!

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