Then the priests met with the older Jewish leaders and made a plan. They paid the soldiers much money {to tell a lie}. They said to the soldiers, "Tell the people that Jesus' followers came during the night and stole the body while you were sleeping. If the governor hears about this, we will satisfy him and save you from trouble." So the soldiers kept the money and obeyed the priests. And that story is still spread among the Jews even today.
—Matthew 28:12-15
Key Thought
While the lack of courage of most of Jesus' disciples during his trial and crucifixion is horrible, it now serves a powerful purpose. "How can such ordinary men and women, who were once so afraid, suddenly find the power, courage, and influence to change a whole world?"
It's an important question. Is the resurrection of the disciples' hopes, dreams, courage, and passion more easily explained through their experiencing the resurrected Jesus or a plot to steal his body away in the middle of the night and then claim he was raised?
The incredible demonstration of the resurrection of Jesus is not Jesus' appearance to Thomas, but the life change that accompanied all those who saw Jesus risen from the tomb! While enemies of Jesus may have tried to stop the message, the disciples couldn't help themselves. They couldn't contain what they had experienced. They had to tell about what they had seen and heard: Jesus is raised from the dead.
Today's Prayer
O Mighty Rock, King of the Ages, you have seen your children be evangelistic and passionate to spread your message of good news. Please give your children boldness and courage and passion to share the message of the Gospel with those who have never yielded their lives in obedient faith. Please, Father, use me to bring others to the Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2017 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 28:12-15
Key Thought
While the lack of courage of most of Jesus' disciples during his trial and crucifixion is horrible, it now serves a powerful purpose. "How can such ordinary men and women, who were once so afraid, suddenly find the power, courage, and influence to change a whole world?"
It's an important question. Is the resurrection of the disciples' hopes, dreams, courage, and passion more easily explained through their experiencing the resurrected Jesus or a plot to steal his body away in the middle of the night and then claim he was raised?
The incredible demonstration of the resurrection of Jesus is not Jesus' appearance to Thomas, but the life change that accompanied all those who saw Jesus risen from the tomb! While enemies of Jesus may have tried to stop the message, the disciples couldn't help themselves. They couldn't contain what they had experienced. They had to tell about what they had seen and heard: Jesus is raised from the dead.
Today's Prayer
O Mighty Rock, King of the Ages, you have seen your children be evangelistic and passionate to spread your message of good news. Please give your children boldness and courage and passion to share the message of the Gospel with those who have never yielded their lives in obedient faith. Please, Father, use me to bring others to the Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2017 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.
Let's lift up 
Let's lift up 
Remember to pray for healing for 
