April 10 | Matthew 28:11-15
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DAILY READING
Matthew 28:11-15
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REFLECTION
Operation Cover-Up
by Pr. Dave Mann
The resurrection is the key event in the work of salvation that Jesus accomplished for all
believers from Maundy Thursday through Easter morning. We should not be surprised that the Enemy, the father of lies, though he is defeated, would devise a plan to try to discredit this amazing feat.
The four classic theories against the resurrection have been:
Stolen body theory -- The disciples stole the body.
Wrong tomb theory – The women went to the wrong tomb.
Swoon theory – Jesus did not fully die but only appeared to die.
Hallucination theory – The disciples wanted Jesus to rise again so much that they had a group and recurring hallucination of his resurrected form.
Due to space restrictions, I will address only the first one briefly. The others are also easily explained by Christian apologists, such as, Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel, and others.
The stolen body theory has three blatant logical fallacies. First, the disciples had abandoned Jesus, denied him, and acted cowardly. Why would they now risk encountering Roman guards to steal the body of Jesus? Even if they had had a sudden shot of courage and adrenaline, they would be no match against seasoned soldiers.
Second, the discipline of Roman soldiers was well renown. It is unimaginable that all the soldiers would have been asleep at the same time. Even if they were dozing, it is not possible that the disciples could have quietly moved the large stone sealing the entrance of the tomb and struggle to carry away the body of Jesus, in such a way that the soldiers would not wake up.
Thirdly, note that the resurrection dramatically changed the disciples. They traveled near and far proclaiming the good news of the death and resurrection of their risen Lord. Every one of the disciples (except John who died of hard labor) died a martyr’s death, often with excruciating pain. It is possible that people will die for something that they believe to be true, but no one dies to defend what they know is a hoax.
You can check out the Christian defense of the resurrection against the other theories. Click here.
The truth is that Jesus died and rose again on the third day.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
PRAYER
O Risen Lord, we proclaim your majesty, your power, your victory or sin, death, and the power of the devil. May your triumph rule in my life both now and forever. AMEN!
