TWO STORIES OF RESURRECTION!

TWO STORIES OF RESURRECTION!

Matt 28:10-15

10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

          Story number one was told by the amazed and excited disciples regarding the “alive again” Jesus. They told their story for free! The other story was told by amazed and terrified soldiers. They told their story as manufactured by the elders. They told their story for a large sum of money.

          It was very costly to the Jewish leaders to eliminate Jesus. Thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas to betray Him and then another “large sum” of money paid to the soldiers to lie about the resurrection but the real cost was to their own soul. Jesus himself asked the question in Matt 16:26, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

          There are always two stories to listen to. One is God’s truth that may require faith to believe and the other is the Devil’s lie which always is costly. Consider carefully each story you are told.

Dear Lord, it is the day after Easter and two opposing forces are eager to tell their stories. Open minds and hearts to the truth. AMEN