The tomb is empty

What exactly did Jesus mean when he told us, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:16-20)? It’s an overwhelming calling, and the disciples probably would have much rather stayed with their resurrected Lord and teacher, continuing to learn from his wisdom, continuing to share in his joy. But this time, Jesus’ command entertained a different concept. The disciples are now empowered in the Holy Spirit who works in all those who choose to obey him. Jesus is everywhere, in everything, empowering us to do the unfathomable, to move mountains, and to save his people.

From our teachings today, we learned that the Passover involves three events including Passover, the feast of unleavened bread, and the feast of first fruits. On the Passover, Jewish families would select a lamb on the 10^th day of the month and it would be sacrificed on the 14^th day of the month to remember God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. Interestingly, Jesus came and was sacrificed on the week of the Passover. How appropriate it is, as Jewish families came to Jerusalem to select their innocent lamb to sacrifice, our Lord came to Jerusalem and would be sacrificed too.

Today, our last day in Israel, we walked the same path that Jesus did his last week on earth before the event on the cross. We started at the Mount of Olives, the place where Jesus agonized before his arrest and trial, asked God to let this cup pass from him, but that his father’s will be done. From here, we went where Christ was tried before Pilate. We walked the Via Dolorosa, and saw the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Although the streets were busy, full of shops and other people, the experience was altogether moving as I could still picture the Messiah bearing his cross to the hill of Golgotha. Grand and spectacular as the church was, as I watched the crowds flock in and fight to get a place in line to see the supposed place where Christ was buried I couldn’t help but think that we’re missing the point: Christ is Risen! The tomb is empty, and one million pounds of precious gems and grand art surrounding the grave isn’t doing much for Christ’s call to love those in need, those who are lost, poor, addicted, hurting, widowed, and sick.

As we prepare to leave Israel and enter our communities, Jesus leaves us a message of hope. Although we have difficult situations awaiting us at home, we are a new people, empowered fully by Christ who works in us. With the presence of the Holy Spirit we take joy and love everywhere we go. We radiate faith to others in such a way that makes them say, “Man that person is different, I would love to be as happy as they are.” If we live our lives obediently, according to his word, God moves in greater ways than our minds can comprehend. We have but to stand aside and take up our cross, as our savior did, and let him work through us.

Robert