Saturday 16 Apr 2022

April 16: Matthew 27:62-66

Key Verse: Matthew 27:64
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.’

Devotion:
After Jesus had given His life up on the cross, people started doing strange things – most of them for selfish reasons. Joseph had asked for Jesus body to be given to him so he could bury Jesus in the tomb he had reserved for his family; this was out of love for the Lord! Of course, others helped Joseph and I’m sure quite a few people were willing to help out and stay guard over the body too.

But the chief priests and the Pharisees had other ideas. They had been talking amongst themselves and knew Jesus had said he would rise again in three days time. Their counting of three days and what actually happened is a bit different, but still three days by Jewish law. The Pharisees were worried someone would come and take the body and make it look like Jesus had risen – they were not so worried He would because they had never seen anyone do that before!

What they did not count on was the power of God working for those who love Him. What they were doing was taking the world before Christ and doing what they could to remain in power over the people. They had seen how the Romans would cave in to pressure and they had no wish to back down now!

Once again the Romans caved in and listened to the priests and Pharisees. They sent some guards to go and secure the tomb and also stay guard over the tomb to make sure nobody came in. They had seen their earthly power increase when the Romans gave in and now they wanted more power – the pride and greed which comes with earthly power is tantalising to many.

Points to Ponder:
Do you look to earthly success and power?

Have you considered Christ’s power instead?