Exodus 35:10-36:38
Matthew 27:32-66
Psalm 34:1-10
Proverbs 9:7-8
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CityLight Pastor Commentary:
“So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard” (Matt 27:66). After Jesus was crucified, the Pharisees remembered Jesus’ promise that He would be raised from the dead. They asked Pilate to assign soldiers to guard the tomb. They didn’t realize, however, that by guarding the tomb, they were actually making the testimony of Jesus’ resurrection even more secure. The presence of Roman soldiers would have made it impossible for the disciples to come and steal away Jesus’ body. The tomb was “hewn out of the rock” (Matt 27:60); there was only one entrance, and no back door. Any escape would have to be miraculous (and we will see just how miraculous it was in tomorrow’s reading). Belief in the resurrection is essential for Christian faith. Do you really believe Jesus was raised from the dead? Do you realize how much potential you have inside of you knowing that the same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus Christ from the dead gives life to your own body (Rom 8:11)?
Prayer:
“Father, thank You for the resurrection! Thank You that by being raised from the dead, Jesus Christ proved HE IS. I believe in the resurrection! I pray that Your Holy Spirit – the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead – would strengthen me in my own life!”