Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
"Yes, Lord," she replied, "I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." John 11:25-27 NIV
During His ministry on earth, Jesus reassured His followers many times that He is the resurrection that God has promised to those who believe (John 5:24, 6:40, 14:6) and that though He would give up His life, He would rise again (Matthew 16:21, Luke 9:22, Mark 10:34).
The hope and security that the fulfillment of these promises provide to all believers are among the key things that seniors can learn from studying the empty tomb.
By proving the truth and validity of His past statements about His death and resurrection, Jesus ensures that seniors can trust His teachings regarding their individual futures and the future of the world and church.
Another important lesson seniors can learn from the empty tomb is that Jesus isn't always where we expect to find Him but that He always reveals Himself to those that love Him.
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." Mark 16:5-6 NIV
When the women looked for Jesus' body to anoint it with spices, they went looking for Him in the tomb. Though it was the natural place to expect to find Him from a human's perspective, God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Similarly, the disciples on the road to Emmaus didn't expect to meet Jesus as they traveled, but during their trip and subsequent conversation, He helped them understand God's ultimate plan regarding the law and the prophesies found in the Old Testament.
As seniors look for Christ in their own circumstances today, they may not find Him where they think He should be.
However, the empty tomb offers believers solid proof that is He alive and always nearby.
This comforting truth provides believers with strength during stressful and uncertain situations. Seniors of faith can choose to hold onto these truths and trust the goodness of Jesus as He, in His wisdom, continues to bring His perfect will to completion in their lives and the lives of those around them.
