Matthew 28:5-7

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

Wasn’t the life and teachings of Jesus sufficient for the foundation of a great and profound religion? Yes it was.  Never-the-less Easter tells us there was more than examples, miracles, teachings and even sacrifice.  I see gold crosses are displayed around the necks of believers.  Yet no matter how important the cross is, there is a much more compelling symbol.  And empty tomb. Without that chiseled grotto and the accompanied rolled back stone all that could result would be a works based and piety driven religion.  Without the empty tomb there is only head and no heart.  It is the empty tomb that points us to the bodily resurrection of Jesus.  That tomb, no matter how well sealed and guarded, is empty.  Death could not hold Him.  And because of that empty tomb, I can look forward to my own resurrection.  The tomb without an occupant demonstrates death is not the end of our journey.  There is much more to come.