Luke 24:3 – “But when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes a significant moment in the discovery of the resurrection. The women, after finding the stone rolled away from the entrance of the tomb, stepped inside expecting to find Jesus’ body. But to their surprise and confusion, it wasn’t there. They were faced with an empty tomb, a reality that would soon be explained as a miraculous sign of Jesus’ resurrection.
The absence of Jesus’ body wasn’t because of human intervention, such as theft or relocation. It was evidence of the victory that Jesus had promised. Although the women didn’t understand it at the moment, they were witnessing the fulfillment of God’s plan to conquer death.
Historical Context
Jewish burial customs in the first century involved wrapping the deceased in linen cloths with spices to reduce the odor of decomposition. Jesus had been buried hastily after His crucifixion due to the approaching Sabbath, and the women returned after the Sabbath to complete the process of anointing His body. They expected to find Jesus lying in the tomb as they had last seen Him.
Tombs during that time were carved out of rock, with shelves or niches for placing bodies. The women would have been familiar with this burial setting and fully expected to encounter a still, lifeless body. The fact that it wasn’t there would have been deeply unsettling and puzzling.
Theological Implications
The empty tomb is a powerful symbol of God’s victory over sin and death. Jesus’ resurrection proved that His death wasn’t the end but the beginning of new life for all who believe in Him. His resurrection fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament and confirmed His identity as the Savior of the world.
Without the empty tomb, the Christian faith would lose its foundation (1 Corinthians 15:14). The fact that Jesus’ body was missing sets the stage for the greatest hope believers have: death has been defeated, and eternal life is possible through Jesus. The empty tomb isn’t a mystery—it’s a declaration of victory.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s writing here is simple but profound. He leaves room for the reader to experience the tension and wonder of the moment. The women’s expectation is interrupted by reality. Luke’s emphasis on their search for Jesus’ body underscores their initial lack of understanding, making the later revelation of His resurrection even more dramatic.
The phrase “the body of the Lord Jesus” is significant. Luke highlights that this is no ordinary person—they were searching for the one who had been crucified, but He was no longer bound by death.
Biblical Cross-References
- Mark 16:5-6 – The women saw an angel who explained that Jesus had risen.
- Matthew 28:5-6 – The angel told the women, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.”
- John 20:1-9 – Mary Magdalene found the tomb empty and ran to tell the disciples.
- Isaiah 53:10-12 – A prophecy about the suffering servant who would see life after death.
- 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 – Paul’s celebration of victory over death through Jesus Christ.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse serves as a reminder that God’s ways often exceed human understanding. The women were searching for a dead body, but God had something far greater in store. In the same way, Christians today may find themselves looking for solutions or answers that fit human expectations, only to be surprised by the miraculous and unexpected ways God works.
The empty tomb reassures us that Jesus’ promises are true. Just as He told His followers that He would rise again, He also promises to be with us, guide us, and ultimately bring us into eternal life with Him (John 14:1-3).
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
The empty tomb is a testament to God’s love and His desire for a restored relationship with humanity. Instead of leaving us trapped in sin and death, God made a way for us to experience new life. His love is seen in the empty tomb because it demonstrates that He didn’t just talk about salvation—He accomplished it through the death and resurrection of His Son (Romans 5:8).
God’s love isn’t distant or abstract; it’s shown through real, powerful acts like raising Jesus from the dead so that we, too, can live in the hope of eternal life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The absence of Jesus’ body confirms the central claim of Christianity: that Jesus is alive. Throughout His ministry, Jesus predicted His death and resurrection (Luke 9:22, John 2:19-21), and this verse is part of the fulfillment of those promises.
His resurrection proves that He is the Messiah and the Son of God with power over life and death. Without the empty tomb, Jesus would be remembered as a great teacher or prophet, but with the resurrection, He is confirmed as the Savior who defeated sin and offers redemption to all who believe in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you think the women felt when they saw the empty tomb?
- What does the empty tomb mean to you personally in your walk with God?
- Have you ever experienced a moment where God worked in unexpected ways in your life?
- How does knowing that Jesus rose from the dead give you hope in the face of difficulties or loss?
- How can you share the significance of the empty tomb with others in a way that brings them hope?