They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead. (John 20:9). As further proof that the disciples did not fabricate this story, we find that Peter & John were surprised that Jesus was not in the tomb. When John saw the grave clothes, he believed that Jesus had risen. It wasn't until after they had seen the empty tomb that they remembered what the Scriptures & Jesus had said - He would die, but He would also rise again. Jesus' resurrection is key to the Christian faith. Why? 1). Just as He said, Jesus rose from the dead. We can be confident therefore, that He will accomplish all He has promised. 2). Jesus' bodily resurrection shows us that the living Christ, not a false prophet or imposter, is ruler of God's Kingdom. 3). We can be certain of our own resurrection  because He was resurrected.  Death is not the end - there is a future life. 4). The divine power that brought Jesus back to life is now available to us  to bring our spiritually dead selves back to life. 5). The resurrection is the basis for the church's witness to the world. Jesus dealt with three main things on the cross. 1). He dealt with sin. He took our sins & gave us His righteousness. By faith in Jesus Christ we can be made righteous. The Bible says: The righteous shall live by faith. 2). He dealt with sickness, disease, oppression, confusions, etc, on the cross. By His stripes we are healed.   He did not end up in healing our bodies. No, He didn't do that. If we are obedient & are obeying His commands in total, He will give us divine health. 3). Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty  might become rich. Jesus dealt with our poverty on the cross. He wants us to be rich, to have us more than enough, to give us supernatural provision, to remove lack & give us abundance. This is God's will. Which report do you believe? I choose to believe the report of the Lord, what the Bible says. I believe His Word in total. I urge you to have a Bible reading & meditation culture.  Apply the Word to your life daily. Sin will not be master over you. You will not struggle with sickness & disease, oppression, & confusion. Poverty will leave your home. This is the power of the cross of Jesus & His resurrection. Thank you Jesus. Good morning Holy Spirit. Prayer: Father, I thank you for Jesus. Thank you for crafting a way by which we Gentiles can be saved. We know that we were not part of the first covenant but that you let your Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so that we can be grafted in. Thank you for such a wonderful plan.  Thank you for the great love for us that you have demonstrated. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Help us to reciprocate this gesture of goodwill by cooperating with the Holy Spirit & obeying your Word in total. Save souls today. Heal people today. Deliver people today. Bless your church today. Fill your church with love, joy & peace. Make your church righteous, holy & pure. Bless the ministers, their families & ministries.  In Jesus mighty name we pray, believe & give you thanks, Amen. Grace & peace be with you.