Resurrection Garden on the grounds of Berea Bible Church has a replica of the Jerusalem tomb you see in the picture above, as well as a small walking park, lake, and a baseball diamond.
The tomb situated on the property of Berea Bible Church is in accordance with Jewish burial customs. Tombs were frequently hollowed out on a side of a hill with a doorway that was low and quite small, which required those entering to stoop. Frequently, a large stone called a GOLEL fitted into a groove or track that was rolled in front of or away from the doorway to seal the tomb.
When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. Matthew 27:59-60
Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mark 15:46
The interior of the tomb was large enough for an individual(s) to sit or stand. (Approximately 16 ft. long, by 8 ft. wide, by 6 ft. tall) Usually, a chamber was cut out of the rock in which a body could be laid which measured 78x25x20 inches and some had a vaulted arch over that shelf. Depending upon the family and number of people expected to be placed there, the tomb varied in size and chambers.
The tomb located in Berea's Resurrection Garden was created because of a dream by former pastor Dr. Glenn Greenwood to bring to life an important truth from Scripture. Pastor Greenwood has traveled to Israel many times and learned important facts and features about the culture and region each time. One of the truths that fascinated him and countless others was the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After several trips to Israel, he desired to give a life-size example to the congregation and the Springfield community. While in Israel, the tomb was measured and diagrammed so it could be recreated here in Clark County.
Resurrection Garden is currently undergoing renovation. Below you can see an artist's rendition of some possibilities.
In addition, the tomb is empty! The empty tomb indicates that He is alive and there is no body there which is an essential point of the gospel message of Jesus' payment for our sins! The Gospel accounts of this are in the New Testament books of Matthew chapters 27 and 28; Mark 15 and 16; Luke 23 and 24 as well as John 19 and 20. The evidence attests that the Christian church serves a risen Savior.
So why an empty tomb in Springfield, Ohio? The resurrection of Jesus is one of the most important events in Christianity. This tomb brings an opportunity for Berea Bible Church to recall this event year around. A garden park has been established and people are invited to come sit, reflect, and meditate for a few minutes in the serenity of the garden. Jesus told his disciple in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." May the tranquility of the tomb park cause all who stop by to consider the promises of Jesus Christ and find the peace that He offers.
If you want to give money to help build Resurrection Garden, you can do it by clicking the button below to create an account. If you already have an account, just click on Sign In. After you log in, tap the "General Fund" option and select Resurrection Garden Fund from the list to make your donation.