Scripture:

Matthew 27:

⁶² The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. ⁶³ “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ ⁶⁴ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”

 ⁶⁵ “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” ⁶⁶ So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

Observation:

The religious leaders actually listened to Jesus.  The remember that Jesus had said that he would rise from the dead.  So just in case (they didn’t believe what he had said) Jesus’ disciples attempted to steal the body, they suggested it be sealed and a guard posted.

Application:

I find it interesting that even the chief priests and Pharisees understood the power of a resurrection…even if they didn’t believe it would happen.

They did say after all…”This last deception will be worse than the first”.

They knew what it would mean if people believed Jesus had risen from the dead!

Too bad they didn’t fully understand what it could mean for them.

Do you?

Jesus resurrection changes everything.  He is who he said he was.  His rising proves that his sacrifice on our behalf was an acceptable one to the Father.  He has covered our sin and given to us his righteousness.

He is alive!  Do you believe it?  Truly believe it?

Prayer:

Pray that you would live today as if Jesus is alive and well!  After all…he is!  Ask God to reveal his resurrection power in your life.  Power to forgive.  Power to save.  Power to live.