Remember

“Sir, we remember that while this deceiver was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’”

Matthew 27:63 (CSB)

Do you know what makes the key verse so tragic?

In part, the religious leaders were unknowingly referring to prophecy that included not just the story of Christ’s passion, but their own role in it. (Isaiah 53:3)

They were afraid that the prophesies they knew so well might threaten their authority, power and wealth because the Hebrew people may actually believe that Jesus was who He claimed to be. (Psalm 16:10 and Isaiah 53)

But the Pharisees, Sadducees and other Jewish people had become obstinate in their spiritual hearts. They could no longer perceive the truth for themselves.

Their rejection was a source of sorrow to Jesus, but it was also a source of His divine anger, because they were misleading others. You can read about Jesus’ pronouncement of Woes, against the religious leaders in Matthew 23.

These evil rulers went even further in their rejection of Christ. They fulfilled another Old Testament prophecy by becoming allied with the Roman government.

Psalm 2 foretold how the rulers who were normally adversaries of each other, Rome and the Jewish religious leaders, would stand together in their opposition against the Messiah. The Gospels reveal the accuracy of that ancient prophecy.

Here is the rest of the conversation between Pilate and the religious leaders—

“…Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He is risen from the dead;’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”

Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So, they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone.

Now think back just a few hours before.

Do you remember the last person to gain an audience with Pilate before these wicked Pharisees?

If you remembered that it was Joseph of Arimathea, then you have a great memory.

You can read his story in Luke 23:50-56.

Also, here is a recollection from Seed Basket about this faithful follower of Jesus. Ari.

Share the Good News in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.