Scripture: Matthew 28:11-15

Observation: This small narrative in the larger story of the Resurrection is unique and points to the lengths that the Jewish authorities would go to discredit Jesus and make him to be seen as not divine and the Son of God. These men were so bold as to bribe Pilate if and when he discovers that the body was gone. The soldiers are another interesting character in this story as they willing to say that they ‘fell asleep’ which was punishable by deaths that they could perpetuate the story of the Jewish leaders that the disciples had broken in during the middle of the night and stolen the body.

Application: This to me just illustrates the lengths that people who will ‘deny the truth’ will go to run from and deny the Jesus is real. Trying to discredit or bribe God is a fruitless endeavor and will only in the end discredit yourself. James 4:7-10 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double- minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father I pray for those who are running from you and have made either a public or private stance against declaring that you are the Resurrected Lord and Son of God. I pray that they might seek you and that you would turn your ear & heart to them. Father I know that you have said in your Word that you desire none to perish but that all might be saved and I would ask that those who are purposely seeking to discredit you and your kingdom would be humbled to the point of surrendering their lives to you. Amen