Matthew 28:1–7 (NKJV) — 1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
They came seeking to honor the life of a dead friend, leader, teacher, and one whom they loved. They found in amazement an empty grave and an angel who told them not to be afraid. “You seek Jesus who was crucified, but He is not here! He is risen.” They went to where He was placed and He was not there.
They came seeking, they found an empty tomb, and they left to follow Christ. (Simplistically put)
Today many are still seeking Jesus. He is not in a tomb, He has risen, and just as those who came seeking Him discovered we are to follow Him.
Jesus not only told His disciples they were to follow Him. He told them they were to change who they were spiritually, and mentally, and be willing to go all the way. Jesus’ life on earth demonstrated this. Jesus came to earth as a baby. He lived His life totally devoted to His purpose.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10 “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” We too are to be seeking to save those who are lost.
As Jesus sacrificed Himself for us, we too are to sacrifice ourselves for Christ. Jesus said to His followers “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)
Easter is a time for more than coming to an empty tomb as important as that is. It is also realizing Christ is not in that tomb. He is Alive. He has a purpose for each one of His followers. We are to go and tell the world about the Savior who lives in us.
Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV) — “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Acts 1:8 (NKJV) — “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”