Matthew 28:12-15

In a fallen world there will always be those with the money and power who spew lies to deceive the world and even those of the Body of Christ.

Be wise in your thinking and speak the truth in love.

Do not fear man but God who has the right to destroy both the body and soul of man.

Blessed are you who discover that even in the smallness,
our attention might be compressed even more.
You who pull out a magnifying glass
to discover, to notice, to taste, to smell
the small joys and simple pleasures that make a life worth living.

Kate Bowler

Matthew 28:12-15

12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. The New King James Version

The chief priests, who were involved in Jewish religious government, bribe the Roman soldiers to spread a false report about Jesus’ disciples stealing His body. Faithlife Study Bible

Although Matthew is brief in his discussion of the resurrection of Christ, he defends it very carefully. The Resurrection was attested by several witnesses, including an angel, various soldiers, and the women at the tomb. The tomb with Jesus’ body in it was sealed, but later the body was not found there. 

The excuse of the soldiers was illogical. No Roman soldier would admit sleeping on the job, as the punishment for this was death. 

Finally, Jesus Himself appeared to many of His disciples, providing even more witnesses to His resurrection from the dead. Matthew presents the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection with precision because the doctrine is essential to the Christian faith.

The Resurrection is a sign that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Resurrection validates the Lord’s own prophecies of it. The NKJV Study Bible

Psalm 56:4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

Matthew 10:26Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.