DIGGING UP BONES? NOT ON EASTER!
PHIL. 2:5-11; LK. 23:33-43; MATT. 28:1-10
INTRODUCTION: Remember Randy Travis’ song “Diggin up Bones?” If you are looking for
bones this Easter Sunday morning you are wasting your time at the tomb of Jesus.
Let’s look at a brief sketch of Jesus’ life.
I. Study His Coming
See Phil. 2:5-11. I read a story about Australian ex-commando Rodd Millner. At the time he
was planning a stunt that would either stretch the frontiers of science or the boundaries of
insanity. His intent was to climb into a spacesuit, ride a balloon up to 13,000 ft. – the very edge
of the atmosphere – and then jump falling 700-900 mph. His goal was to be the first person to
break the sound barrier without a vehicle. His aim – basically planet Earth. I never heard
whether or not he made it.
But there was someone else who took a perilous plunge. He came from a higher altitude
than that. His target – planet Earth. His name was Jesus. Look at the text and you will discover
four things.
A. He Emptied Himself (v.6): By His own decision He laid aside His divine form, His mode of
being and His throne.
B. He Empathized with Humanity (v.7): He considered it more important to save you than hold
onto His divinity.
C. He Endured Humiliation (v.8): Look at the cross. He was willing to go there as your
sacrifice. The Celestial Creator died between two calloused criminals.
D. He Enjoys Honor (v.9-11)
Look back up to verse 5. We are called on to set aside our own, less worthy, ego-driven
concerns and desires in order to serve one another just as Christ became servant of all. We are to
have the same mindset and priorities. Why not take the plunge into service – God will exalt you.
II. Survey His Crucifixion
See Luke 23:33-43. Why did Jesus make His aim planet Earth? For one reason – the cross.
Jesus died! For many it was a small event. Just another execution and afternoon entertainment.
Nothing much changed. There were no press reports, no news briefings, and no shocked nation.
Few took notice. Who knew? Who cared? The disciples fled. The religious leaders celebrated.
The politicians went back to stumping. People were disillusioned. Soldiers gambled. Thieves
hurled insults.
But what a defining moment in human history! Sociologist, Carl Manheim wrote,
“Generations can be shaped by a singular event that becomes the ruling metaphor for their
approach to life.” The depression era grew up wary of being wasteful. Baby boomers came of
age in a time of great prosperity, but also great uncertainty in witnessing the assignations of
Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, and the Vietnam War. By contrast Generation X (2940) had no defining moment. That is until 9-11-02!
Choosing the cross can be for us the defining moment of our spiritual lives. What looked
like a terrible tragedy was in fact a magnificent victory. Unless we receive Him as Lord and
Saviour His great victory will remain but a tragedy – not for Him, but for us!
III. See His Conquest
Note Matt. 28:1-10. Did you know that the U.S. continues to look for the bones (remains) of
some 2000 MIA’s in Vietnam? In 1996, 36 sets of remains were found. In 2000, there were 24.
By mid 2001 23 sets had been discovered.
A few years back Rob Dubay and Dennis Walker found two tiny fragments of bone on a
cliff top above the Dead Sea. Because of the sight and circumstances they surmised that the
bones could very well be those of a king. They mentioned the apostle James, John the Baptist
and even Jesus Himself. If they are looking to Jesus – they’ve got the wrong man. Jesus left no
bones or body (v.6).
The resurrection story is a subject for argument. Why? Because we’re not comfortable
with mysteries. We want solid evidence, facts, and DNA matches.
We question whether the story is true. We were not there. We didn’t hear the angel or
see the place. If we can’t perceive it with the five senses, we doubt it. If we can’t figure it out it
must not be true. However, the Earth is spinning on its axis at a speed of over 1,000 mph. Right
now Earth is soaring around the Sun at 66,000 mph. Do you feel it? Do you perceive it?
The resurrection is a faith event. The spiritual world is not subject to the senses. The
resurrection is not a matter of believing the impossible; it’s a matter of trusting the invisible.
CONCLUSION: See v.7 – “Going ahead of you.” He’s always leading. Make no bones about
it – Christ is risen!