The Cross and the Empty Tomb
This article explores topics and excerpts from the newly released book Journey Through the Bible and Your Story, now available on Amazon.
From the very beginning, Satan has opposed God’s redemptive plan. His final and fiercest attempt came at the cross, where he stirred both Jewish and Roman leaders to crucify Jesus—believing, perhaps, that death would silence the Son of God. But what looked like defeat was, in truth, the very path God had ordained to redeem humanity.
Jesus endured unimaginable suffering: scourging, beatings, a crown of thorns, and ultimately death by crucifixion—reserved for the worst of criminals. Yet, even in agony, His words from the cross—echoing Psalm 22—reminded all who heard that this was no ordinary execution. He was fulfilling prophecy, not succumbing to defeat.
When Jesus breathed His last, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom. This moment was more than symbolic—it marked the end of the old covenant and opened the way for all to approach God directly through Christ. No longer would people need a priest or a sacrifice; Jesus became both—the perfect High Priest and the final offering for sin.
Three days later, everything changed. Just as He had promised, Jesus rose from the dead. It wasn’t done in secret. Over forty days, He appeared to more than 500 people—disciples, skeptics, even enemies. His resurrection was undeniable. Roman officials couldn’t explain it away, and the disciples who once fled in fear became bold witnesses, many of them martyred for proclaiming that Jesus was alive.
One of the most powerful examples is Paul. Formerly Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of the early Church, Paul encountered the risen Christ in a way that changed his life forever. That encounter turned a feared opponent of Christianity into one of its greatest champions.
After the resurrection, Jesus taught His followers about the Kingdom of God. He didn’t dismiss the promises of a coming kingdom—they remained true. He simply reminded them that the timing belonged to the Father. First would come the mission of proclaiming salvation, then the fulfillment of every promise.
The cross wasn’t the end of the story—it was the turning point. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus crushed the serpent, fulfilled ancient prophecy, and opened the door to eternal life. His victory echoes through history, and we are invited to live in its power today.
