From the Tomb to the Testimony: Encounters with the Risen Christ

Encounters with the Risen Christ . Over the course of these seven episodes , we will walk through the final days of Jesus Christ , from the moment of Judas' betrayal to his glorious ascension . To His glorious ascension . Tonight we stand at the foot of the cross , where Jesus is crucified at Golgotha , bearing the weight of our sins .

We witness His final breath and follow as he is laid in the tomb , leaving us in the silence

of His death Through His suffering and resurrection . The veil is torn , granting us direct access to him . We just stood at the foot of the cross and witnessed the earth tremble as Jesus , the Son of God , took his final breath . The sky had darkened at midday and a natural shroud of mourning cast over Jerusalem .

And when he cried out it is finished , the veil of the temple tore from top to bottom , a divine proclamation that the barrier between God and man had been forever torn away . Tonight we step deeper into the heart of this mystery .

We will follow those who loved him Mary , his mother , john the beloved disciple , and Mary Magdalene , as they stand in the chilling winds of Golgotha , their faces streaked with tears , watching the lifeless body of their Lord hang limp on the cross .

We will listen to the murmurs of the Roman soldiers , uncertain of what they have just witnessed , and we will walk beside Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus as they carry his broken body to the tomb , the weight of sorrow heavier than the stone that will soon seal it .

The wind had picked up , chilling the damp air as the three crosses on Golgotha cast long shadows in the fading light . The sun , hidden behind an unnatural veil of darkness , barely lingered on the horizon . A few torches flickered in the hands of Roman soldiers , their faces , unreadable as they stood , watch their once mocking tones , now hushed with uncertainty .

At the foot of the cross , Mary , the mother of Jesus , clung to John . Her child hung lifeless before her , his broken body , his blood soaking the dust beneath her feet . Mary Magdalene knelt beside her , her body trembling from both the cold and the weight of despair . Then came the movement . Joseph of Arimathea , a secret disciple of Jesus , stepped forward .

With him was Nicodemus , the Pharisee who had once sought Jesus under the cover of night . They had gone to Pilate himself , their hearts pounding in their chest as they entered the governor of night . They had gone to Pilate himself , their hearts pounding in their chest .

As they entered the governor's quarters , Pilate had stared at them in silence , his fingers drumming against the armrest of his seat . You wish to take the body of this man ? He asked , his voice laced with both curiosity and fatigue .

Joseph bowed slightly , his voice steady yes , my lord , he is dead and according to our custom , he must be buried before the Sabbath begins . Pilate exhaled slowly , glancing at his advisors . Then , after a moment of consideration , he nodded very well , but verify with the centurion first . If he is truly dead , you may have him .

The two men left swiftly , making their way back to Golgotha where a centurion stood , his broad shoulders rigid , his eyes hollow . This was no ordinary soldier . This was the man who had overseen the execution . He had heard Jesus' last words . He had felt the earth quake beneath his feet and he had seen the darkness cover the land like a burial shroud .

Joseph and Nicodemus approached him cautiously . The governor has granted us permission to take his body . Joseph , said . The centurion studied them for a long moment , his face unreadable . Then his gaze flickered to the lifeless form hanging before him . He had seen many men die , but never like this , never with such authority , such peace , such finality .

He inhaled deeply before speaking Such finality . He inhaled deeply before speaking . I saw him breathe his last , he murmured . This was no ordinary man . Nicodemus , who had long wrestled with his own beliefs , felt a chill run down his spine at the soldier's words . Then , you believe , he asked softly . The centurion hesitated , his jaw tightening . I don't know what .

I believe he admitted , but I know that when he died , the earth itself seemed to cry out . The temple veil was torn , the sky darkened . I have seen crucifixions before , dozens , maybe hundreds , but I have never seen the heavens mourn a man's death For a moment . No one spoke . Then the centurion exhaled sharply , shaking his head .

Then the centurion exhaled sharply , shaking his head . Take him , he said his voice quieter now , and bury him with dignity .

And so , with great care , they began the painful process of removing Jesus from the cross the creak of nails being pulled from flesh , the muffled gasp of those watching and the strained breathing of Joseph and Nicodemus as they bore the weight of the man they had secretly followed .

John assisted , his hands steady despite his shaking heart , his hands steady despite his shaking heart . Joseph and Nicodemus had prepared . Earlier Nicodemus had secured a mixture of myrrh and aloe , about 75 pounds in weight a burial preparation fit for a king . The fragrance was strong , mixing with the night air as they wrapped his bruised body in linen .

Myrrh and frankincense had been brought to him at his birth by wise men from the east . A gift meant for a king , and now , in his death , he was anointed once more . The tomb itself was significant . It was honed from rock untouched by decay , meant for a man of wealth , and yet it would hold the body of a king who needed no earthly resting place .

The weight of grief was matched only by the weight of the stone that would soon seal the entrance . As the stone rolled into place , the world outside the tomb remained still . Silence hung heavy in the air . The night crept forward , cold and unyielding . Within that tomb . The light crept forward , cold and unyielding . Within that tomb , Jesus' body lay undisturbed .

A king's body , wrapped in linen , the fragrance of myrrh and aloe still lingering faintly in the air . It was a burial fit for a king , though this was no ordinary king . No , this was the Son of God , the Lamb who had borne the weight of the world's sins . Now laid in a borrowed tomb .

The night wore on the stars above , untouched by the events below , as if the very heavens awaited the next chapter of this grand story . But for now , all was quiet . As the great stones settled into place , sealing the tomb , Pilate issued one final order Guards . Not just any soldiers ,

but men hardened by war , disciplined and unwavering . These were not ordinary watchmen . They were the elite of the Roman ranks , chosen for their loyalty , their resilience and their ability to silence unrest . Before it could begin , the order had come from the religious leaders , those who still trembled at the words Jesus had spoken in life .

We remember they had told Pilate that this deceiver said after three days I will rise again . And so , fearing deception , they demanded that a guard be placed at the tomb , lest his followers steal the body and proclaim him risen . Pilate , weary and indifferent , had waved a hand . You have your guard , he said . Make the tomb as secure as you know how .

Your guard , he said Make the tomb as secure as you know how . And so they came , seasoned soldiers , men who had seen the worst of humanity on battlefields soaked in blood . They were not concerned with the truth of Jesus's claims To them . This was another post , another task assigned by those in power .

They had carried out crucifixions before the death of this so-called prophet was no different , at least that's what they told themselves . Yet something gnawed at them . Many of these men had been at Golgotha . They had heard his final words . They had felt the tremor beneath their feet when he breathed his last .

Some had watched in uneasy silence as the temple veil was torn in two , as the sky darkened without warning . And though they were men of steel , men of war , a whisper of doubt lingered in the back of their minds . One of them , a centurion , one who had stood closest to the cross , shifted uneasily as he peered at the sealed tomb .

He had declared it himself as Jesus died tomb . He had declared it himself as Jesus died Truly . This man was the Son of God . He did not say it lightly , the weight of those words still pressed upon his chest .

The others did not speak of it , but their unease was evident , their eyes flickering toward the massive stone , as if expecting it to move of its own accord . The night stretched on and the air grew thick with tension .

Though they were trained to stand guard without fear , a strange heaviness settled over them , as if they were standing not before the grave of a mere man , but at the threshold of something far greater than themselves . They did not know yet . But they were not merely guarding a tomb .

They were standing on the precipice of the greatest event in human history , and before this night was over , their duty , this simple watch over a lifeless body , would become a testimony they could neither explain nor deny . For though they had been chosen to keep death locked away , they would soon bear witness to life itself breaking forth .

Inside the tomb , there was no sound but the soft rustling of linen . The body of Jesus , though cold and still , held a divine presence in the stillness . The world outside may have thought him to be lost , gone forever sealed behind stone , but those who had truly known him understood that death had no claim on this king . It was the Sabbath , the day of rest .

The faithful were scattered , too grief-stricken to do anything but mourn . The disciples , scattered in fear , wondered what the next day would bring . But even as they lay in their sorrow , God was not idle . The earth itself held its breath as the dawn of a new creation was poised to break .

But for this night , this sacred night , Jesus rested , and while his followers wept and the stone sat heavy over the entrance , there was an undeniable truth growing quietly in the darkness Death would not have the final word . In the tomb , Jesus lay in quiet slumber , his body bruised and broken . But even in death , he was not defeated , was not defeated .

The world , which had so recently mocked him , now awaited the moment when his power would shine forth

in glory . Little did they know , in the midst of their mourning , the resurrection was already beginning its quiet work , preparing to burst forth in the light of the third day , preparing to burst forth in the light of the third day .

The dawn of the third day was approaching , and with it the fulfillment of every promise , every prophecy , every hope that had laid bare in the life of Jesus Christ . The tomb , which seemed to hold the finality of death , would soon be the birthplace of life anew . The third day had come .

Darkness still veiled the land , the first streaks of dawn barely beginning to chase away the night . The world lay in quiet slumber , unaware that the course of history was about to change . The Roman guards stood in weary silence before the tomb .

They had been stationed there for two long nights , shifting uneasily in their armor , gripping their spears a little too tightly . The weight of the silence pressed on them , thick and unnatural . Some had dismissed their unease as foolishness , others the ones who had seen the sky blacken and the earth shake when Jesus died , said nothing at all .

And then the ground shuddered beneath their feet . Pebbles leapt and danced in the dust , the air itself seemed to tremble . And then from the heavens , a light Brighter than the sun . It split through the night , illuminating the garden like the dawn of creation itself .

And from the radiance descended a figure robed in lightning , his face like fire , his presence overwhelming an angel of the Lord . The guards barely had time to react . Their bodies seized with terror as the being approached , his radiance burning away every shadow . And then , with a force beyond human strength , the angel reached out .

The great stone that had sealed the tomb , set in place by human hands guarded by the might of Rome , rolled away as if it were nothing . Dust and debris scattered into the air as the angel moved it aside . And , with the presence of both commanding and unshakable , sat upon it the soldiers .

Their bravado was gone , their discipline training , their years of war hardened strength . None of it could prepare them for this . They collapsed , their bodies frozen in terror , their limbs like dead weight . Some fell to the ground as if lifeless . Their faces pale as death and then panic .

They scrambled to their feet , some fleeing blindly into the trees , others tripping over themselves in desperate terror . The might of Rome had been reduced to trembling shadows in the face of heaven's power . The tomb was open , empty , empty .

Not long after , before the sun had fully risen , footsteps echoed on the path leading to the garden A group of women moving quickly , their veils pulled tightly against the cool morning air . Among them , Mary Magdalene , Mary the mother of James , and Mary , wife of Clopas . They had come with spices prepared to anoint the body .

They had spent the Sabbath and morning waiting for the moment . They could tend to him , to honor him in death as they had in life . But as they neared the tomb , they saw it the great stone rolled away . Their hearts pounded . Something was wrong . Mary Magdalene broke into a run , her breath coming in short gasps .

As she reached the entrance , she peered inside , short gasped . As she reached the entrance , she peered inside , her hands trembling , and what she saw made her blood run cold . Nothing , the body of Jesus was gone .

And then figures clothed in white , gleaming like the morning sun Two men , no , no Angels , standing within the tomb , Mary and the others stumble back in fear , their hands over their mouths , their knees threatening to give way . One of the angels turned to them and spoke . His voice was steady , calm , yet carrying the weight of eternity itself .

Do not be afraid . Why do you seek the living among the dead ? He is not here . He is risen , just as he said . The words struck like lightning in their hearts Risen , could it be . Could the impossible , the unthinkable have happened ?

Mary , mother of Jesus , and Mary , wife of Clopas , turned , their feet already moving before they could think they had to tell the others . The world had changed , death had lost its sting , the grave had no victory . The stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty . Jesus was alive .

The dim glow of an oil lamp flickered in the small room where the three women sat close together , their hands wrapped around cups of warm broth . The scent of earth and spices lingered in the air , remnants of the morning's purpose , one that had been shattered .

The moment they reached the tomb , Mary , mother of Jesus , sat with her shoulders slightly hunched , her face lined with sorrow but marked by something deeper an understanding , a knowing Mary . The wife of Clopas sat beside her , her shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders , as if trying to shield herself from the tremors that still shook her soul .

And then there was Mary Magdalene , her eyes still wide with wonder , her hands trembling slightly , as if her very body could not contain what she had seen . It was Mary Magdalene who spoke first , her voice barely above a whisper . I still feel as if I'm dreaming . She shook her head , gripping the wooden cup in her hands .

We left before the sun rose , the night air still clinging to our skin . My heart was heavy , so heavy I thought it might crush me , and you both felt it too . Mary , wife of Clopas , nodded , her fingers tightening around the fabric at her chest . We had barely spoken as we walked . What was there to say ? Our Lord , our hope was gone .

Her voice cracked and yet , when we reached the tomb , she trailed off , unable to speak the words . Mary , the mother of Jesus , lifted her eyes . The stone , she murmured , it was no longer there . Mary Magdalene nodded . I remember the way my breath caught in my throat . The guards were nowhere in sight .

The stone was rolled away , the darkness inside stretching out before us like a gaping wound . We stepped forward . Mary , the wife of Clopas added Terrified , and then we saw them . She shuddered , angels . Mary , the mother of Jesus , closed her eyes briefly . The brightness , the presence , I could not bear it . Her voice was quiet yet firm .

It was not just the sight of them , it was knowing she exhaled . It was knowing that something beyond our understanding had happened and the weight of it was too much . I ran . Mary , wife of Clopas , admitted her voice thick with shame . I could not stand in that place a moment longer . Mary , the mother of Jesus , reached out , placing a gentle hand over hers .

You were not alone . The two women turned their eyes to Mary Magdalene , who had remained behind . She stared at them . Now her lips parted , as if searching for words . Finally she spoke . I wept . The other two women said nothing waiting . The other two women said nothing waiting . I stood outside the tomb weeping .

Mary Magdalene continued her voice barely above a whisper . The ache in my chest was unbearable . I thought they had taken him . I thought it was over . She drew a shaky breath and then I saw him . Mary , wife of Clopas , leaned in . You saw Jesus . Mary Magdalene nodded , tears brimming in her eyes . At first I did not recognize him .

I thought he was the gardener . A soft , almost trembling laugh escaped her lips . I begged him . I said , sir , if you have taken him , tell me where you have laid him and I will go and get him . She swallowed hard , her hands clutching at her chest as if she could still feel the moment inside her . And then he spoke my name . The room was utterly still .

Mary , the mother of Jesus whispered . He called you by name . Mary Magdalene nodded . The moment he said it , Mary , it was as if the entire world shifted . My heart knew before my mind did . It was him , my Lord , my teacher . Tears slipped down her cheeks , but she did not wipe them away . I fell to my knees . I reached for him .

She let out a shaky breath , but he stepped back . Mary , wife of Clovis , frowned . He would not let you touch him . Mary Magdalene shook her head . He looked at me with such love , such tenderness , and he said do not cling to me , for I have not yet ascended to my father . Mary the mother of Jesus closed her eyes .

He was telling you he was not yet finished . Mary Magdalene nodded . He told me to go and tell the others , to tell them that he was ascending to his father and our father , to his God and our God . She let out a breath , her hands trembling . I ran from that place as fast as my feet could carry me .

My heart felt as if it would burst , not from sorrow , but from something else , something I did not recognize at first . Mary , wife of Clopas , reached out for her hand . Hope Mary Magdalene let out a small tearful laugh . Yes , yes , Mary . The mother of Jesus looked at both of them , her eyes steady . And now we must tell them again .

Mary Magdalene nodded they will believe . Mary , wife of Clopas exhaled they must . Mary , the mother of Jesus , reached for their hands , her grip warm and firm . Yes , she murmured , they will . And with that the three Marys rose , no longer just grieving women , but bearers of the greatest news the world would ever hear .

And so , dear listener , we find ourselves once again at the foot of the cross . The sun hangs heavy in the sky , its light dimmed , as if the heavens themselves cannot bear to witness . The suffering below .

The cries of those who loved him blend with the mockery of those who did not understand . And there , suspended between heaven and earth , is Jesus , the one who fed the hungry , healed the sick , restored the broken , the one who calmed the storms with a word and called the dead from their graves . Now he is silent , beaten , bleeding , forsaken .

Have you ever felt forsaken ? Have you ever cried out to God in your suffering , only to be met with silence ? The cross teaches us a difficult truth Suffering is part of the human story . Even the Son of God was not spared pain . And yet , in this moment of agony , love speaks its loudest . Father , forgive them , for they know not what they do .

Even in his last breath , he gives , he loves , he surrenders . And then it is finished . His body is taken down , wrapped carefully in linen and laid in a tomb . A stone is rolled into place , sealing what appears to be the end of a movement , the end of hope , the end of everything his followers had believed in . And so begins the waiting .

Perhaps you know this waiting well the space between heartbreak and healing , between prayers and answers , between the darkness of loss and the dawn of new beginnings . It is a place where hope feels distant , where questions outnumber certainty . The disciples knew this waiting intimately , knew this waiting intimately .

Their dreams lay buried behind a stone and all they could do was wonder if they had been wrong to believe . But what they did not yet know , what we sometimes fail to see in our own seasons of waiting , is that God was not absent . He was at work in the unseen , moving beyond their understanding . And then , on the third day , everything changed .

Imagine stepping into the morning air , the sky tinged with the soft colors of dawn . The garden is quiet , save for the whispers of the wind through the trees . Mary Magdalene walks towards the tomb heavy heart with grief . The spices in her hands are meant for a body she believes is still lying there , but when she arrives she stops .

The stone , immovable , unbreakable , has been rolled away . She peers inside , expecting to find death , but there is nothing . The burial cloths lie empty . The silence of the grave has been broken . The absence of a body is not a sign of loss but of victory . And then her name , Mary . One word spoken in love turns her sorrow into joy . She sees him .

The one she thought was gone stands before her , alive , radiant , victorious . What was dead now breathes . What was lost is found . What was lost is found . What seemed like the end was only the beginning . And so , dear friend , where do you find yourself in this story ? Are you standing at the cross carrying the weight of suffering ?

Are you waiting in the silence of the tomb , wondering if God sees you ? Or are you standing at the empty , grave , grave , trying to believe that hope is possible . The cross teaches us that pain is real but love remains . The tomb reminds us that waiting is part of the journey , but silence does not mean absence .

And the resurrection it declares that , no matter how final something seems , god is not finished .

This is your invitation to believe what feels like the end could be the doorway to something new , to trust that , even when you cannot see him , God is at work , to step out of fear and into faith , to carry with you the unshakable truth that Jesus has conquered all that once held us captive . He is risen .

Thank you for joining me tonight as we journey through this sixth episode of The Kiss , the Cross and the Crown . I pray you carry these reflections with you into your day , into your week , and that you find strength in knowing God is with you in every trial , every temptation and every step of obedience .

If this time in God's word has encouraged you , take a moment to share it with someone who might need it . And be sure to join me next time as we continue walking from Judas's kiss to Jesus's ascension , learning , growing and staying faithful in the field of life .

Until next time , may you find peace in the quiet trust in God's call and rest in His unchanging love . This is In the Field Audio Bible , where we listen

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