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 Eusebius
says that excavations by the Roman emperor Constantine, who
reigned from 306 to 337 A.D., uncovered the tomb of Christ “contrary
to all expectations.” The location is within the old city
walls of Jerusalem, and for this and other reasons is an
unlikely spot; but for centuries this place has been accorded a
superstitious veneration. This was not true in the first
century, when “Joseph’s new tomb” was easily found, and
readily available to all.
On
Sunday morning, following the crucifixion, there was a flurry of
interest in that tomb. Two Marys. Joanna, “and other women”
visited the grave — once. Peter and John “ran” to the tomb
-— a most unusual way to approach a place of the dead. Joseph
of Arimathea and Nicodemus had placed the body there, and it is
reasonable to suppose they revisited the tomb on or shortly
after the third day. And I can imagine certain priests and
elders of the Jews taking a sudden interest in the place they
had intended to forget. But not for long. The truly remarkable
thing about this burial place is the little attention it
receives in the later writings of those who deeply cherished His
memory. Apparently, NO ONE GARNISHED THE TOMB.
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It
is understandable that, in the early struggle for existence, no
expensive monument would be built. But five thousand men
acknowledged Him as Master, less than two months after His
death. His mother’, His bosom disciples, and untold hundreds
of Judea who had benefited personally by His life, were living
near by. And as the literature of “this sect” took form, isn’t
it strange that no one pointed to the tomb as a place of
veneration? Is it not singularly unlike men to heap such praise
upon the work and teachings of a “Master” yet give so little
attention to the spot which holds his earthly remains?
Ah,
but here is the difference! It is clear that these early
disciples did not regard “resurrection” as an allegory. Far
more than His teaching, far more than man’s faith — arose.
Why
garnish an empty sepulcher? Even those who crucified Him knew,
there was no one in it!!
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