Matthew 27:57-28:20

Ridding Seeds of Doubt

I didn’t catch this in all my previous readings of Matthew. How many times have I read it I can’t tell you, but i have missed the fact that the legalistic religious leaders paid off the guard. But, despite their payments, the resurrection of Jesus is one of the best attested events in history. Here is a small list of those that witnessed Jesus on that resurrection Sunday: 3 women at the tomb (Luke 23-24), Peter and John see the empty tomb (), Peter sees Jesus that same day (Luke 24), the women see Jesus (), 2 on the Emmaus road, the Apostles without Thomas, the Apostles with Thomas, 7 at Lake Tiberius, 500 in Galilee, James in Jerusalem, many at His ascension, Paul near Damascus, Stephen at the stoning, Paul in the temple, John at Patmos.

Quite the list! so much so that even though His enemies started the rumor that his body was stolen, they could not stop the news of the resurrection from sweeping the world.

Christ’s resurrection was the resurrection of a real body. The followers recognized his face, his voice; his body was touched, He ate with them, and reminded them that He was not a ghost but had flesh and bones.

Each gospel writer gave extensive thought to the resurrection. Matthew’s emphasis continues to the last word to be about establishing Jesus as King and that He lived as a servant and did establish His kingdom. He was given ALL AUTHORITY. His kingdom exists and is focused on his believers in whom His spirit resides.

Finish this statement: Because Jesus lives I can........