The fear of death covers life like a shroud. It is multi-layered too, an admixture of common fears---the unknown, pain and suffering, loss of control, concern for loved ones, and some other phobias that make death creepy. Though there’s a cultural obsession with death, we usually don’t like to talk about it. An empty tomb changed all of that. Death is still a mystery. But, the resurrection removes the fear for those who believe in Jesus.

Hope is unique to the Christian faith. Most world religions are just hopeless. Death for a majority of the world’s six billion people is the end. There is nothing else. The grave, that’s it. Because of the resurrection, believers in Jesus can have hope of something greater, life eternal. Peter calls it a living hope. What is more, we are shielded by God’s power until then---his forever. Dead doesn’t mean an end. There is more.

We look to Matthew 9:10-13 as Jesus sat with Tax Collectors and "sinners" to get a glimpse of how he saw us - and how we should see others. Gratitude, mercy and compassion will be a direct outgrowth of seeing through Jesus' eyes. So grab some earbuds and let's go to dinner shall we?

If the cross and the empty tomb constitute the victory over death, then why in the world is it the final enemy to be defeated in the end of the age? Good question. One many people ask. Well, not until the glorious return of Christ and the establishment of his Kingdom is death finally eliminated. Though we have the promise of eternity in Christ’s death and resurrection, people will still die until the final consummation. Then, there will be no more death. But, member. He has promised to preserve us till then. You see, dead isn’t what it used to be!