When some men of the guard went to the chief priests to tell them that Jesus had risen, they, after having assembled with the elders and held counsel, gave the soldiers a large sum of money, saying:
« You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' »(Matthew 28:13)
The Bible tells us that these soldiers took the money, and followed the instructions given to them. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.(Matthew 28:15)
What is behind this conspiracy that continues to this day?
It is the truth about the resurrection of Jesus that they did not want to be known.
Indeed, the resurrection of Jesus brought all humanity into the new covenant freeing men from the yoke of the law and bringing them under the regime of God’s grace.
« Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. »(Romans 8:1-2)
The reality of Jesus’ death and resurrection testified that « we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. »(Hebrews 10:10)
These are the realities that the chief priests did not want the people to know.
They wanted God’s people to continue offering sacrifices and offerings out of fear of judgment and condemnation.
However, to refuse God’s grace and continue to feel guilty is to devalue the work accomplished on the cross by Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord our God, grant us to understand and fully enjoy your new covenant with us, accomplished on the cross by Jesus.
It is in the precious name of your son Jesus Christ that we pray, Amen.
THE LION OF JUDAH MINISTRY IN THE WORLD©
thelionofjudahmission@gmail.com
☏: +250730900900
KIGALI – RWANDA