The Pharisees Think That They Can Control Jesus Even After He is Dead

Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. Matthew 27:62-66


Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6


The Pharisees appeal to the power of the state to keep their enemy Jesus in the tomb. They knew what Jesus has predicted – that He would raise from the grave on the third day. They hoped that Jesus would not be able to get out of the tomb on the first Sunday after Passover Friday and the first Sabbath that took place after Friday on the Seventh Day Saturday. They hoped that the power of the state of Rome would be sufficient to keep Jesus out of their addictive businesses. They put their hope on their fellow addicts rather than on the power of God to do for them what they could not do themselves.

Prayer for Today: God, please help us not to interfere with your plans for us. Somewhere in our hearts is the hope that You are greater than our fears, and greater than our addictions. Grant us deliverance from our addictions and grant us a willingness to come to You for help rather than the state. Thank You again for You patience with us.