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Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
In Matthew 28:11-15, we read that after Jesus rose from the tomb, the guards “reported to the chief priests all that had happened.” The chief priests in return paid the soldiers to tell people that Jesus’ disciples stole His body. How easy it was for the Jewish leaders to deny the resurrection. Instead of responding to the greatest news ever reported, they refused to believe and devised a plan to spin the truth. They simply denied the resurrection and the work of God.
Before we cast stones at the Jewish leaders, we must be careful not to follow their example. Although we would never reject the reality of the resurrection, we are tempted to deny God credit for what He has done. When we refuse to honor Him for His blessings, do we not deny His providence? When we choose to retain for ourselves what is His, do we not deny His lordship? When we take credit for what He has done, do we not deny His glory?
Although we would never deny the resurrection, we must be careful! We could very easily deny God! Instead of following the instructions of the chief priests, let’s follow the instructions of the angel who said, “Go quickly and tell…” And if we remain silent and don’t tell, do we not again deny God? As witnesses we must reveal to our skeptical world the wonderful workings of God! If we don’t tell, who will?
I look forward to worshipping our risen Lord with you this Sunday!!
To God Be the Glory,
Bro. Fred
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